Over the past year, the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has undertaken a targeted programme of international engagement, ensuring New Zealand’s filmmakers and screen industry remain globally competitive.
By maintaining a strong presence in key international markets, NZFC has helped local filmmakers expand their networks, secure international financing, and promote New Zealand films to a global audience, while also reinforcing the country’s reputation as a world-class production and post-production hub.
NZFC’s participation in the Cannes Film Market, Toronto International Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, MIFF 37ºSouth Market and NFDC Film Bazaar in India focused on supporting New Zealand filmmakers in:
- Building international networks – Direct connections with international co-producers, financiers, distributors, and sales agents remain key to securing funding and distribution for New Zealand films.
- Expanding co-production partnerships – Many international markets prioritise working with treaty co-production partners, offering opportunities for New Zealand filmmakers to access offshore funding and distribution while retaining creative control.
- Understanding emerging financing models – With shifting investment trends, particularly from streaming platforms and international co-productions, access to global expertise is vital for filmmakers.
- Strengthening New Zealand’s presence in key markets – Ensuring New Zealand stories and talent are visible on the world stage fosters long-term cultural recognition and global collaborations.
NZFC’s industry delegation to Los Angeles and AFCI Cineposium focused on strengthening relationships with international studios and production companies to attract large-scale projects to New Zealand. Engagements reinforced that:
- New Zealand remains a sought-after location for international productions due to its highly skilled workforce, advanced post-production expertise, and world-class studio facilities.
- The global market is increasingly competitive, requiring a proactive approach to securing productions ahead of other destinations.
- Long-term relationships with decision-makers are essential to ensuring New Zealand continues to be considered for major productions.
NZFC’s international engagement strategy ensures that New Zealand’s screen sector remains well-positioned to succeed in both cultural and economic arenas. By enabling filmmakers to connect with global partners and promoting New Zealand as a premier filmmaking destination, these efforts support the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry.
“New Zealand’s presence in global markets is critical—our filmmakers need access to international networks to thrive, and our screen sector must remain competitive in attracting high-value productions,” says Annie Murray, CE of NZFC.
To view a snapshot of our international travel and associated costs, please see below: