South Seas Alumni Making Waves in Day One NZ 2025 Shorts
Three South Seas graduates from our 2023 cohort have been selected for the highly competitive Day One NZ Shorts, receiving up to $20,000 in funding to produce their short films.
From hundreds of applicants nationwide, only eight filmmakers were selected, with three South Seas alumni among them. This marks a significant achievement within Aotearoa’s screen industry. The funded films are:
Gloss Finish – Directed and written by Gabi Maffey
O Alofa nei, O alofa Nā – Directed and written by Giselle IIaoa
Devil in the Gat – Directed and written by Taniora Ormsby
In addition, Giselle IIaoa and 2025 South Seas students Griffin Kilfoyle, Vavaki McNaughton, and Veisinia Moalapau’u have been recognised on the Day One NZ website as “Filmmakers to Watch”, reinforcing the strong pathway from study into industry recognition.
These outcomes reflect South Seas’ long-standing commitment to intensive, hands-on training from day one, with students working across pre-production, production, and post-production in real-world environments alongside active industry professionals.
Building Pathways from Study to Industry
From award-winning student films to alumni securing competitive national funding, South Seas Film & Television School continues to demonstrate the strength of its industry-connected approach to screen education. Graduates leave with practical experience, professional networks, and the confidence to take their work into the wider film and television sector.
Enrolments are still open for the upcoming intake starting 9 February, offering aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to train in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and begin their own pathway into the screen industry.
