March 2026 Bulletin
LIVE EVENT in Wellington
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Our first live event for the 50th Anniversary celebrations takes place in Wellington, and it opens with a panel discussion exploring the history, legacy, successes, and ongoing challenges of being a screenwriter in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This panel discussion brings together practitioners, academics, and critics, and will reflect on the role of film and television in helping us understand ourselves and each other. See you there!
Our line up includes: Dave Armstrong (Screenwriter, tutor and mentor), John Smythe (founding member of NZWG, critic and writer), Dr Trisha Dunleavy (Academic specialising in the screen industry), with a fourth speaker expected to be announced any moment!
Wednesday 18 March 2026, 7pm
The Cinema at Massey University
Wellington
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $25
General Admission = $40
Student Admission = $10 (email us for the discount code)
ONLINE MASTERCLASS
Thursday 16 April 2026
7 - 8.30pm
Join Award winning screenwriter Rachel Lang MNZM as she walks us through the elements needed to create a fabulous TV series proposal.
Get tips and learn about the essential of a television series proposal.
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $5
General Admission = $10
WAFF Industry Dayz 2026
Beyond Borders - ONLINE
11 March – 2 April 2026
Part of the Wellington Animation Film Festival.
Running across 4 weeknights, 2 Saturdays, over 1 month, WAFF Industry Dayz Online is built for independent filmmakers and animation professionals looking to connect with the wider world! These sessions are online.
National and international speakers. Talks. Pitching Workshops. Software Chats.Roundtables. 1:1 speed networking.
Supported by VFX Guild, NZWG & DEGANZ
Purchase Tickets & More Info Here
MORE Events & Opportunities
Tubi and Black List Horror Initiative
This partnership wants to uncover a feature horror script for Tubi to purchase and develop, with the intent of greenlighting the script for production and distribution.
India delegation - emerging screen creators
Asia New Zealand Foundation invites applications from emerging NZ screen creatives to join a delegation to Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 in Mumbai, India.
The Blacklist - March Submissions Open
Submissions are now open for three initiatives on the Blacklist, including a new horror feature programme!
'TENOR: My Name is Pati' Q&A Screening
WIFT & DEGANZ are hosting a special Q&A Screening of the new documentary on the renowned Pati brothers. Mon 9 March at 7pm.
Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab - Apply Now!
The Co-Lab is for Indigenous filmmakers with the aim to create exceptional feature films for local and international audiences.
2026 Screenrights Cultural Fund - Now Open!
$50K grants available to support initiatives that could offers broad benefit to the screen industry - open to Australia and New Zealand applicants.
Claire’s Farewell - You are invited!
After more than seven years with NZWG, Claire is moving on to her next chapter. Join us to send her off in a writerly fashion! 4pm Friday 13 March
Save the Date 2026 - 48Hours Announced!
The Vista Foundation 48Hours 2026 will take place from:
7pm, 31 July - 7pm, 2 August 2026
MFF2026 Industry Programme Announced
Māoriland Film Festival invites participants to actively contribute, to collectively come away with actions and support for where to next.
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
The Show Me Shorts 2026 call for entries is now open! Show Me Shorts is a competitive, Oscar ® qualifying and BAFTA qualifying film festival.
Doc Edge Festival 2026
Save the Dates: Doc Edge Auckland Festival runs 24 June – 12 July 2026. Check all the latest screenings and events.
Dunedin Fringe Festival 2026
The annual open access festival! The official programme is now available - start making your festival picks.
Your March NZWG update
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
LIVE EVENT in Wellington
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Our first live event for the 50th Anniversary celebrations takes place in Wellington, and it opens with a panel discussion exploring the history, legacy, successes, and ongoing challenges of being a screenwriter in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This panel discussion brings together practitioners, academics, and critics, and will reflect on the role of film and television in helping us understand ourselves and each other. See you there!
Our line up includes: Dave Armstrong (Screenwriter, tutor and mentor), John Smythe (founding member of NZWG, critic and writer), Dr Trisha Dunleavy (Academic specialising in the screen industry), with a fourth speaker expected to be announced any moment!
Wednesday 18 March 2026, 7pm
The Cinema at Massey University
Wellington
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $25
General Admission = $40
Student Admission = $10 (email us for the discount code)
ONLINE MASTERCLASS
Thursday 16 April 2026
7 - 8.30pm
Join Award winning screenwriter Rachel Lang MNZM as she walks us through the elements needed to create a fabulous TV series proposal.
Get tips and learn about the essential of a television series proposal.
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $5
General Admission = $10
WAFF Industry Dayz 2026
Beyond Borders - ONLINE
11 March – 2 April 2026
Part of the Wellington Animation Film Festival.
Running across 4 weeknights, 2 Saturdays, over 1 month, WAFF Industry Dayz Online is built for independent filmmakers and animation professionals looking to connect with the wider world! These sessions are online.
National and international speakers. Talks. Pitching Workshops. Software Chats.Roundtables. 1:1 speed networking.
Supported by VFX Guild, NZWG & DEGANZ
Purchase Tickets & More Info Here
MORE Events & Opportunities
Tubi and Black List Horror Initiative
This partnership wants to uncover a feature horror script for Tubi to purchase and develop, with the intent of greenlighting the script for production and distribution.
India delegation - emerging screen creators
Asia New Zealand Foundation invites applications from emerging NZ screen creatives to join a delegation to Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 in Mumbai, India.
The Blacklist - March Submissions Open
Submissions are now open for three initiatives on the Blacklist, including a new horror feature programme!
'TENOR: My Name is Pati' Q&A Screening
WIFT & DEGANZ are hosting a special Q&A Screening of the new documentary on the renowned Pati brothers. Mon 9 March at 7pm.
Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab - Apply Now!
The Co-Lab is for Indigenous filmmakers with the aim to create exceptional feature films for local and international audiences.
2026 Screenrights Cultural Fund - Now Open!
$50K grants available to support initiatives that could offers broad benefit to the screen industry - open to Australia and New Zealand applicants.
Claire’s Farewell - You are invited!
After more than seven years with NZWG, Claire is moving on to her next chapter. Join us to send her off in a writerly fashion! 4pm Friday 13 March
Save the Date 2026 - 48Hours Announced!
The Vista Foundation 48Hours 2026 will take place from:
7pm, 31 July - 7pm, 2 August 2026
MFF2026 Industry Programme Announced
Māoriland Film Festival invites participants to actively contribute, to collectively come away with actions and support for where to next.
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
The Show Me Shorts 2026 call for entries is now open! Show Me Shorts is a competitive, Oscar ® qualifying and BAFTA qualifying film festival.
Doc Edge Festival 2026
Save the Dates: Doc Edge Auckland Festival runs 24 June – 12 July 2026. Check all the latest screenings and events.
Dunedin Fringe Festival 2026
The annual open access festival! The official programme is now available - start making your festival picks.
Join the New Zealand Writers Guild
Become a member and access exclusive benefits and resources.
