The aim of MovieFest 2022 is to encourage the amateur movie makers of New Zealand, and to promote and showcase the talent New Zealand has to offer. We aim to promote the use of digital video editing tools and to promote the use of computers for digital video editing. 

• Your movie must be made specifically for MovieFest 2022
• MovieFest 2022 must be your movieʼs first public screening
• Your movie must be no longer than 5minutes including any titles and credits
• Your movie must contain or relate in someway to the MovieFest 2022 topic.

What is the deadline for MovieFest 2022?
The deadline for registration to enter the competition is 5:00pm, 29 July 2022. Movies and movie detail forms must be completed and received by the organisers prior to 5:00pm, 9th September 2022. 

Does MovieFest accept international entries?
No. Entrants must have a New Zealand residential address. 

Which genres of movies will MovieFest accept?
Generally all, including animations, documentaries and entirely computer generated movies. 

Are there other restrictions?
MovieFest 2022 must be your movie’s first public screening. This means that the movie must not have been screened at any other movie festival, on free to air or pay TV, in cinemas or any other public arena prior to MovieFest. This restriction does not include cast and crew screenings.

Can I reedit a movie that has already screened so it fits the MovieFest Guidelines?
No! We consider this a different version of the same movie, therefore if it has screened previously, it is not eligible for MovieFest. 

Does MovieFest place restriction on swearing or sexual/violent content?
MovieFest movies will be screened to family audiences and must not contain any swearing or sexual/violent content. 

Does it Cost anything to enter?
Yes, it costs NZ$25 (including GST). You can include a cash payment with your entry form or you can pay by direct bank debit to 06-0613-0436157-01 and add MovieFest 2022 in the reference field. 

Do I have to obtain copyright clearance for the music, performance or script?
YES! The moviemaker must own all copyright for or have written permission to use all content in the movie, including music, performance and script. 

Can I use any piece of music as long as I have permission? 

You can use most pieces of music granted you have received the necessary permissions. Well known/published music can become very expensive to use. You will need to have cleared rights to use the piece of music in “all media” and in “alllocations”. Try to use local music in your movie. It means that local musicians and composers can benefit from MovieFest, as well as every one else, and it is usually easier to organise. Donʼt limit the life of your movie by making hasty music choices or leaving this till the last minute. Music should be one of the first things you consider when planning your production. 

Are all decisions made by the MovieFest Staff and judges final?
We will not accept any correspondence into the final results supplied by the judges and may rescind any prize if any impropriety is subsequently found in the completion of any entry. 

What is the MovieFest Topic (MFT) for 2022?
The MFT for 2022 wasbe announced on the 30th July 2022 at the commencement of the competition. The MFT for 2022 is “heritiage”. Moviemakers are invited to interpret the MFT in any way they choose – we strongly encourage a creative interpretation of the word! 

Why does my movie have to feature the MFT & how can I use it?

The MFT is meant to show that your movie was made specifically for the festival as MovieFest is about encouraging production, not just exhibition. 

What are the entry categories?
There are three entry categories: Primary & Intermediate Schools, Secondary Schools and Hobbyists – (hobbyists must not currently be employed in the video or film industry). 

What is the maximum length for MovieFest movies?

5 minutes including titles and credits. 

Is there a minimum length? 

Yes, 3 minutes 

Can I submit more than one movie for the Competition?
Yes – there is no restriction on number of entries providing an entry fee is paid for each movie and movie detail form completed. 

What format do you accept for entry?
You must submit an online digital link of a movie in an .mp4 format to our email address before 5pm on the 9th September 2022.