The Film Intensive is a place of learning, as well as an experience, and an experiment devoted to a deep connection to self and to material. It is based on the belief that each of us filmmakers has a sacred psyche that dreams to express itself poetically, humorously, dramatically through visual story telling. We want to create a space where risk and ambition are playmates, honoured and respected. A place where curiosity and inquiry is never ending and persistence and hard work shape intuition and outcomes.

Applications for AWITO 2025 are now closed. We have received 190 applications. We sincerely thank you all for your applications. We are humbled by you sharing your work, your inspirations and aspirations with us.

We acknowledge that the stakes are high for each applicant. We wish all success for everyone, but even if you are not selected for AWITO 2025, we hope that the process of applying will also help you take stock of where you are and what more you can to do to get your career moving. People enter the industry through many different portals, AWITO 2025 is only one opportunity.

A final in-person interview process with 18 applicants will decide the 6 places. Applicants will be given up to three short stories to read and discuss at the interview. We are aiming at fairness and creating opportunity yet we don't doubt that all of our applicants are talented wonderful humans with infinite capacities.

AWITO 2025 shortlist interviews are scheduled to take place 16th to 18th December 2024. They will be in-person in Wellington and Auckland, or on Zoom.