Day One Shorts to Premiere at Show Me Shorts 2026
Show Me Shorts Film Festival will host the world premiere of eight short films commissioned by filmmaker development organisation Day One Hāpai te Haeata.
The films were created as part of the Day One Shorts programme, with funding from NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho and NZ Film Commission. The programme aims to provide upskilling opportunities for young people wanting to explore impact storytelling on screen.
Last year was the first time Show Me Shorts and Day One partnered up to present a new collection of short films. The screenings were immensely popular and sold out quickly. Due to demand, this year screenings have expanded to two in Auckland, plus one in each of Wellington and Christchurch.
“We are proud to showcase this bold collection of new films from New Zealand’s rising cinematic talent,” says Show Me Shorts Festival Director Gina Dellabarca. “This vibrant selection spans documentary, horror, animation, and drama. Each forward-looking story explores thought-provoking themes, from ancestral memory and human connection to resilience and finding one’s place in the world.”
Day One Creative Director Anna Rose Duckworth says, “We're delighted to continue our partnership with Show Me Shorts, who, like us, are invested in bringing fresh, bold stories to New Zealand audiences. Having our films carry the Show Me Shorts stamp means the world to storytellers who've often had to fight for a foot in the door.”
The selected films are:
He Kōrihi - Birdsong directed and written by Jordi Webber, produced by Briar Rose, Rob Kipa-Williams. Synopsis: When his father passes away, a successful music producer lost in city life, is forced to confront the distance he has placed between himself, his whakapapa, and the people who raised him.
Kuia: For Those Who Come After directed by Kelsey Chapman, written by Te Wakahuia Bernard, produced by Te Wakahuia Bernard. Synopsis: Filmmaker Kelsey Chapman begins recording her kuia's memories. But as she stands on the whenua of her iwi and experiences the spiritual presence of her ancestors, the story shifts.
Tāpū directed by Grace Chan, Mahana Carlyrose Dexter, written by Grace Chan, produced by Mahana Carlyrose Dexter. Synopsis: Meeting his Tahitian girlfriend's family for the first time, David is confronted by a tradition that tests his sense of belonging.
My Journey with FASD directed and written by Isaac Giles, produced by Grace Stapleton. Synopsis: Animated documentary about a teenager living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Silver Lining directed by Harriett Maire, written by Harriett Maire, Isabella McDermott, produced by Leah Burson, Harriett Maire. Synopsis: Approaching 25 years with a chronic illness, Harriett Maire explores how it feels to live with type 1 diabetes.
Mutually Assured Destruction directed and written by Connor Amor-Bendall, produced by Meg Robinson. Synopsis: A casual drink between four exes quickly sours into queer chaos when a long-buried secret surfaces, putting whatever hope they have of friendship on the line.
Baby Tooth directed and written by Raphaella Holder-Monk, produced by Ashleigh Waters, Chantelle Watts. Synopsis: On the day of her best friend's wedding, May battles a grotesque dental crisis that threatens her closest friendship and forces her to confront her deepest insecurities.
Men of Light directed by Simeon Ucegang Fiapule, written by Simeon Ucegang Fiapule, Regan Foai, produced by Regan Foai. Synopsis: When the Men of Light begin taking families from his Auckland suburb, 13-year-old Ioane finds out the truth is darker than anything he imagined.
Screenings of the Day One Shorts will take place at Academy Cinemas in Auckland on Saturday 10 October at 6pm and 8:30pm; in Wellington at Light House Cuba, Sunday 11 October at 6pm; and in Christchurch at Alice Cinemas on Tuesday 20 October at 6pm.
