Netflix And New Zealand Film Commission Back Next Phase Of Jane Campion’s A Wave In The Ocean

Netflix and New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) have today announced renewed support for A Wave in the Ocean (AWITO) - the filmmaker development program founded and led by Academy Award®-winning director Jane Campion, alongside co-director Philippa Campbell.

The first AWITO programme saw nine emerging writer-directors write and direct original short films which were selected to screen at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, including Lion Rock in the Orrizonti section. Building on this success, the new programme is focused on developing participants’ debut feature films.

The new Development Initiative will support AWITO alumni through an intensive creative process, where they will work with mentors, script consultants and peers to refine their stories, deepen their craft, and explore new ways of bringing stories from Aotearoa New Zealand to the screen.

Jane Campion comments: “To share and encourage the talent of new filmmakers and storytellers in New Zealand, through the AWITO programme and more generally, is simply the most satisfying and exciting part of my career to date. I love to be part of a multigenerational community that dares, cares, and creates. The quality of the participants’ shorts is so high I really hope we can share it with the New Zealand public.”

Debra Richards, Director of Global Affairs, Netflix ANZ said: “The creativity from the aspiring filmmakers involved in the initial AWITO program was impressive, so it was an easy decision to get behind them and the programme again. It’s a privilege to be part of an initiative that gives creators the freedom, resources and mentorship to take bold creative leaps, and one Netflix is proud to support.”

“These filmmakers represent an exciting new wave of New Zealand storytellers,” said Annie Murray, NZFC CEO. “We’re delighted to champion this next phase of the AWITO initiative, building on the strong foundation they’ve established, guided by mentorship from world-class creatives Jane Campion and Philippa Campbell. The programme reflects our commitment to developing filmmaker careers, giving them the opportunity to grow and share the unique perspectives and creativity of Aotearoa New Zealand with audiences worldwide.”

The AWITO Development Initiative will run throughout 2026, with feature films selected for programme development early next year. For more information, please visit www.waveintheocean.nz.

About A Wave in the Ocean

Founded by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Jane Campion alongside co-director Philippa Campbell, A Wave in the Ocean is a professional development programme which champions emerging New Zealand filmmakers. Supported by Netflix and developed in collaboration with the NZ Film Commission, the programme provides mentorship, training and creative support to empower original film making in Aotearoa. www.waveintheocean.nz

About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC)

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) proudly champions New Zealand’s dynamic screen industry, backing bold local stories and attracting major international productions to Aotearoa New Zealand. Through project financing, talent development, and the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR), NZFC drives creative excellence and economic growth. NZFC’s international attraction experts showcase New Zealand’s creative talent, diverse locations, and world-class technical expertise, positioning the country as a leading destination for screen production. By nurturing local voices, connecting filmmakers with global opportunities, and highlighting our strengths as a world-class screen production hub, NZFC drives New Zealand’s influence on the international stage.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching, as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

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