The Aho Shorts Production Fund provides production funding for five (5) short films by Māori creative teams. Each project will be awarded $40,000 NZD to create a narrative scripted short film that delivers on at least one of the following pou:

  • Champions te reo Māori
  • Enables a distinctly Māori story to be told
  • Supports a Māori creative to tell a story with strong potential to resonate with global audiences
  • Empowers an experienced voice to explore a new filmmaking technique or complex subject

This year’s fund combines production funding with wrap-around delivery support, including wānanga and mentorship designed to maintain momentum toward completion within the agreed timeline and strengthen cohesion across the cohort.

Selected creative teams will participate in mentorship and wānanga to finalise their scripts and confirm the production pathway for their film. Each team will then be supported through a six-month delivery period to complete pre-production, principal photography and post-production.

Applicants must be ready and able to complete filming and post-production in the second half of 2026.