The following Regional Film offices are generously offering scholarships to attend Big Screen Symposium 2025. They are for screen practitioners who are finding cost a barrier to attend, which is especially so for those living outside of Auckland. If you are interested in applying, check out these options.
All applicants must be available and able to commit to attend the Big Screen Symposium.
BSS Dates: Friday 4th and Saturday 5th July 2025
Venue: University of Auckland, City Campus – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
2025 REGIONAL FILM OFFICES SCHOLARSHIPS
FILM BAY OF PLENTY
Film Bay of Plenty is offering two scholarships for screen practitioners to attend the Big Screen Symposium 2025,
Each scholarship includes:
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A full event ticket
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Please note: no travel grant is included
Eligibility criteria:
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Must be currently living in the Bay of Plenty region or have a significant connection to it
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Must be involved in or have some experience in the screen industry
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Must be available to attend both days of the event (4–5 July)
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Must follow @filmbayofplenty on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated
How to apply:
Please send the following to jade@filmbayofplenty.com or admin@filmbayofplenty.com:
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A one-page résumé
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A short statement explaining:
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Why you want to attend the Big Screen Symposium
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How this industry conference will contribute to your career development (you’re welcome to reference previous years’ speakers as context)
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Applications close: Thursday 29 May 2025
SCREEN CANTERBURY SCHOLARSHIP
Screen CanterburyNZ is offering two scholarships for screen practitioners to attend the Big Screen Symposium 2025.
Each scholarship includes:
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A full event ticket
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A $300 travel and accommodation grant
Eligibility criteria:
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You must be based in Canterbury
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Be currently working in or actively pursuing a career in the screen industry
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Be available to attend both days of the event
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Must not have received this scholarship in the past two years
How to apply:
Please send a short bio and cover letter outlining your interest and suitability to paul.wilkinson@christchurchnz.com
Applications close: Monday 19 May 2025
FILM OTAGO SOUTHLAND SCHOLARSHIP
Film Otago Southland is offering one scholarship for a screen practitioner to attend the Big Screen Symposium 2025.
The scholarship includes:
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A full event ticket
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A $500 travel and accommodation grant
(Reimbursed upon receipt submission. The recipient is responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.)
Eligibility criteria:
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Must be based in Otago or Southland
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Must be working in or actively pursuing a career in the screen industry
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Must be available to attend the full symposium on 4–5 July
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Must not have previously received a BSS scholarship from Film Otago Southland
How to apply:
Fill out the application form here:
Apply via Google Form
For any questions, contact: info@filmotagosouthland.com
Applications close: Thursday 29 May 2025
FILM WHANGANUI
Film Whanganui is offering one scholarship for a screen practitioner to attend the Big Screen Symposium 2025.
The scholarship includes:
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A full event ticket
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A $600 travel and accommodation grant
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be based in the Whanganui region
- Applicants must work in the screen industry, or be actively working towards a career in the screen industry
How to apply:
Send an email to emma.bugden@whanganuiandpartners.nz which explains:
- What you’ve achieved so far
- Why you want to attend the symposium
- How you anticipate it will contribute to your career development
Applications close: Thursday 29 May 2025
SCREEN WELLINGTON
Screen Wellington is offering four scholarships for a screen practitioner to attend the Big Screen Symposium 2025.
The scholarship includes:
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A full event ticket
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A $400 travel and accommodation grant (paid on 20th of the month following receipt of a valid invoice)
Eligibility criteria:
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Must be based within the wider Wellington region
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Working or studying in the screen industry
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Agree to media posts and provide a small report on what you gained by attending BSS
How to apply:
Applications should be sent to: harriett.guy@wellingtonnz.com
Applications close: Thursday 29 May 2025
