This year marks the twelfth addition of the FilmUp mentorship programme, Script to Screen would like to thank the NZFC who have continued to support this kaupapa to continue strengthening and developing Aotearoa’s feature film writers, directors and producers.
Script to Screen is delighted to announce the 2026 participants who will join this growing community of advancing Feature Film practitioners.
The selected participants listed below will be matched with industry mentors to help develop their feature film project. During the six-month programme the group will also participate in a series of development hubs that include round tables, group workshops, and guest speakers sharing their experiences and perspectives, helping to strengthen industry connections.
- Congratulations to the filmmakers selected for FilmUp 2026:
(Pictured left to right above)- Lynda Chanwai-Earle
Writer – Little Yellow Peril
- Angela Cudd
Producer – Don Te Haute
- Jared Flitcroft
Writer/Director – FADE
- Sandra Kailahi
Producer – Mahuika
- Kyan Krumdieck
Writer/Director – She Floats Over the Neighbour’s Fence Every Night
- Liv McClymont
Writer/Director – Wunderbar
- Christian Nicolson
Writer/Director – Space Warriors in Space
- Hweiling Ow
Writer – Pohpoh Wants to Die
- Phillida Perry
Producer – THE LONGEST DRINK IN TOWN
- Stella Reid
Writer/Director – Stage Challenge
- Jason Taylor
Producer – Ancestral Fusion (Working Title)
- Lynda Chanwai-Earle
An insight into the application process:
113 applications were received which proved a challenge for our selectors to make the final decision. 3 independent industry selectors with experience across writing, directing and producing assessed the applications. Successful applicants had both a very strong track record of creating innovative work with unique and authentic perspectives. They were also able to articulate clearly what their current project development requirements were, and how a mentorship will help in their progression.
From the large number of very strong applications, it is clear that mentorships like FilmUp are of a very high value to emerging and mid-career professionals.
We thank each and every applicant who submitted to be considered for FilmUp. We are sorry we can’t support more. We acknowledge how disappointing it is when applications are unsuccessful and encourage you to continue to apply for development kaupapa that aligns with the type of support you are looking for. From our perspective, we see every year how beneficial it is for filmmakers and their projects to continue to apply for all the development opportunities they can.
FilmUp is made possible thanks to funding from The New Zealand Film Commission
