PISA - Pacific Islands Screen Artists

Home
New Zealand
Auckland
PISA - Pacific Islands Screen Artists

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from PISA - Pacific Islands Screen Artists, Auckland.

The Pacific Islands Screen Artists group supports, encourages and promotes individuals of Pacific Islands heritage working in the New Zealand Screen sectors at all stages of their journey.

05/09/2026

We’re celebrating Tusi Tamasese and his incredible invitation to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences!

A well-deserved recognition of Tusi’s contribution to Sāmoan and Pacific cinema and his award-winning body of work grounded in Sāmoan language, culture and identity 🙌🏾

And the story continues, with Tusi and longtime collaborator and producer Catherine Fitzgerald preparing to bring their third feature film to the screen.

Speaking with Local Democracy Reporting about the invitation, Tusi reflected on what the recognition means beyond his own work:

“It is a testament that we are being noticed and recognised as part of the cinema community.

Being invited alongside Vea Mafile’o, Te Arepa Kahi and others shows this isn’t a one-off, there’s a body of Pacific work being noticed, not just a single story.

The message is, the path is real and open to anyone.”

Congratulations Tusi! 👏🏾✨
We celebrate you, your mahi and the Sāmoan and Pacific stories you continue to bring to the world. 🌺

Quotes from Tusi Tamasese’s interview with Mary Afemata for Local Democracy Reporting

03/09/2026

🎬 CASTING CALL | CHRISTCHURCH 🎬

An exciting new animated short film is coming to Christchurch!

Funded through the New Zealand Film Commission Catalyst fund, Tamaiti O le Mau is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jacob Luamanuvae-Su’a and produced by Jeremiah Tauamiti of Bishops Production.

The film will use newly developed performance-tracking technology. While the final film is animated, the process is similar to motion capture, meaning facial expressions and physical performance are a vital part of bringing these characters to life.

Acting or performance experience is preferred, but not essential, and there is some flexibility with the ages of the younger performers. Voice and confidence are the most important things.

Interested? Email [email protected] and we’ll connect you with the producer.

Fa’afetai! 🌺

02/09/2026

We’re celebrating Vea Mafile’o and her incredible invitation to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences!

A well-deserved recognition of Vea’s contribution to filmmaking and Pacific storytelling 🙌🏾

And what better time to celebrate, with LOMU directed by Vea and Gavin Fitzgerald arriving in Aotearoa cinemas tomorrow, 3 September.

In Vea’s words:

“To receive this invitation while preparing to bring LOMU home to Tonga feels deeply symbolic. It reminds me that our stories don’t have to leave the Pacific to matter, they can begin at home and still resonate with the world.

It acknowledges the years of work that have gone into telling Pacific stories on our own terms, while also reminding me that there are still so many voices from our region waiting to be heard. I hope this recognition opens the door a little wider for the next generation of Pacific filmmakers, because none of us walk through these doors alone.”

Congratulations Vea Mafileo 👏🏾✨
We celebrate you, your mahi, and the Pacific stories you continue to carry out into the world. 🌺

27/08/2026

PAID ARTIST CALLOUT | THE TIMID TANIWHA

Calling all artists! 👀

The team behind upcoming animated short film ‘The Timid Taniwha’ has recently received NZ Film Commission Catalyst funding and is looking for artists to support the early visual development of the project.

We’re looking for:
Character Artist
Environment Concept Artist

Experienced designers are encouraged to apply, but we’d also love to hear from talented graduates and emerging artists whose work aligns with the style of the project.

🎬 KEY CREATIVES
Written by Toi Rankin
Directed by Toi Rankin & Alex Moruo
Produced by Carrisse Uta’i

📅 Start date: Immediately
💰 This is a paid opportunity

Sound like you? Send your CV + portfolio to:
📧 [email protected]

Please apply via email as social media DMs will not be monitored.

And if you know an artist who might be perfect for this, tag them or send this their way! ✨

20/08/2026

Come and meet PISA at Meet the Guilds 2026! 🎬🌺

Whether you’re already working in the screen industry, just starting out, or simply curious about what the different guilds do, come along for a relaxed evening of connection and kōrero.

Meet the PISA team, learn more about how we support Pacific peoples working in screen, meet other representatives from across the screen guilds, learn about the support, resources and opportunities they offer, and catch up with fellow industry folk (all without any formal speeches or presentations).

Just good people, warm kai and a bar tab 🙌🏽

📅 Tuesday 8 September
⏰ Drop in anytime between 5–8pm
📍 Morningside Tavern, 16 McDonald Street, Sandringham
🎟️ FREE entry but RSVP required

Good talanoa and good people. RSVP via the link in our bio ✨

12/08/2026

🌊 NIU WAVES 2026 applications are now open! 🌊

Thinking of applying or have questions about the programme?

PISA is hosting an online Q&A webinar this Thursday 13 August at 6:30pm for anyone wanting to find out more about NIU WAVES 2026 and the application process.

Register for the webinar via the NIU WAVES application panel.

🔗 Application + webinar registration link in bio.

08/08/2026

Niu Waves 2026 is now open! 🌊

Niu Waves 2026 is a series development initiative created by PISA and supported by NZ On Air. Built from the ground up with a Pasifika approach to screen development.

📅 Applications open: 8th Aug
📅 Closing date: 7th Sep
📣 Successful teams announced: 22nd Sep

If you’ve got a series idea, now is the time to put it forward. Don’t wait on this one | Link in bio 🔗

APPLY NOW 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

03/08/2026

🌱 OPPORTUNITY ALERT FOR SCREENWRITERS 🌱

The New Zealand Writers Guild’s SEED & SEED Advanced Grants are now open, offering funding to help writers develop original feature film screenplays.

Whether you’re an emerging writer developing your first feature or an experienced writer ready to take your next screenplay further, this is a fantastic opportunity to invest in your story.

SEED ✨ 4 grants of $12,500 (+ GST if applicable) for emerging writers developing the first draft of a feature screenplay.

SEED Advanced ✨ 2 grants of $15,500 (+ GST if applicable) for experienced writers with more than 90 minutes of produced scripted work.

📅 Applications close Friday 4 September 2026 (11:59am).

Head to the NZ Writers Guild website for full eligibility criteria, application guidelines and everything you need to apply.

🔗 Link in bio.

01/08/2026

📣 Opportunity for Pacific journalists, critics and media professionals! 📣

Applications are now open for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival Press Inclusion Initiative (PII).

As Sundance prepares for its first Festival in Boulder, Colorado (21–31 January 2027), the Press Inclusion Initiative supports a more diverse press community by providing selected media professionals with:
🎟️ A Sundance press credential
💸 An unrestricted stipend to support Festival coverage

The initiative welcomes applications from media professionals, including those who identify as BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ and/or people with disabilities.

How to apply:
• Complete the Press Inclusion Initiative (PII) application form via the PISA Linktree
• After submitting, you’ll receive a personalised link to complete your 2027 Festival Press Accreditation application.
• Both applications must be completed by 7 August (11:59 p.m. ET). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you’re not applying for a PII stipend, Standard Press Accreditation (credential only) opens 19 August 2026.

🔗 Find the application link in PISA’s Linktree (link in bio).

Questions about PII or accreditation? Contact [email protected].

24/07/2026

🚨 Applications now open for Kahurangi Toi Ātea (KTA)! 🚨

KTA is a professional development programme designed to help emerging crew build practical skills, industry knowledge, confidence, and valuable industry connections through hands-on, industry-led training.

Whether you’re interested in Art Department, Costume, Make Up, Production, Lighting & Grip, or Post-Production, KTA offers specialist training to help prepare you for a career in your chosen department.

✨ Selected participants may also have the opportunity to progress into paid workplace training on New Zealand screen productions.

Interested in learning more before you apply? Join one of the FREE online information webinars:
📅 Tuesday 4 August | 7:30pm
📅 Saturday 8 August | 9:00am

⏰ Applications close Sunday 9 August, so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals and kick-start your career in screen.

🔗 Visit the link in our bio to explore the available courses, check your eligibility, and apply.

Address

Auckland
1026

Website

http://www.pisa.org.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PISA - Pacific Islands Screen Artists posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.