Save the Date: Māoriland Film Festival 2027
Māoriland Film Festival 2027 will take place from 16–21 March, with six days of Indigenous film, art, industry, culture and connection across Ōtaki.
The dates are set for the next Māoriland Film Festival, when Indigenous filmmakers, artists, storytellers and audiences from around the world will gather in Ōtaki.
From 16–21 March 2027, the festival programme will unfold across venues throughout the town, with film screenings, kōrero, art, emerging technology, industry events, rangatahi programmes, music and opportunities to connect.
Māoriland Film Festival is an annual expression of the year-round kaupapa of Māoriland – creating space for Indigenous stories, artists and communities to meet, share knowledge and build relationships through film and the arts.
Each festival brings together stories from Indigenous nations across the globe, from emerging filmmakers sharing their first work to established storytellers presenting new films. Across genres, languages and forms, these works offer audiences the opportunity to experience the world through Indigenous perspectives.
Calling Indigenous filmmakers
Submissions for Māoriland Film Festival 2027 are already underway, and there is still time for Indigenous filmmakers to share their work for consideration.
Māoriland considers feature and short films, documentaries, experimental films, music videos, VR, games, interactive media and other innovative screen works made by Indigenous creatives.
Priority is given to work that brings unique Indigenous perspectives to the screen, upholds the mana of its storytellers and speaks to the themes and issues shaping Indigenous communities and our wider world.
The regular submission deadline is 23 September 2026, with submissions free during this period. Late submissions close 30 October 2026, with a $25 NZD late fee applying to most categories.
Filmmakers will be notified of selection by 30 January 2027.
Submit your work and find full eligibility information through FilmFreeway.
Be part of MFF2027
Māoriland Film Festival is built through relationships — with filmmakers, artists, audiences, iwi, community, funders, businesses and organisations who see the value in Indigenous stories being seen, heard and shared.
As we build towards March, we are inviting organisations and businesses to kōrero with us about sponsorship, partnership and other ways of supporting MFF2027.
We are interested in partnerships that connect meaningfully with the kaupapa of Māoriland and contribute to the experience of our filmmakers, audiences and community. Support can take many forms, including programme partnerships, travel and accommodation, hospitality, resources, services and financial support.
If you would like to be part of Māoriland Film Festival 2027, get in touch with the Māoriland team.
Māoriland Film Festival 2027
16–21 March 2027
Ōtaki, Aotearoa
