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. A place where the best you can do today is the starting place for tomorrow... where there is no giving up, because improvement might be possible. A place where every student is challenged, encouraged and valued for their unique gifts. Jane Campion Artistic Director

In November 2022 a cohort of emerging writers and directors were selected for AWITO'S first 12 month intensive programme, sponsored by Netflix. They went on to make the short films which will all screen in Auckland and Wellington alongside Jane Campion's Palme D'Or winning short film Peel on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
In addition 5 of the AWITO shorts will screen throughout Aotearoa as part of NZIFF's Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa: NZ's Best programme.
We are also immensely proud of AWITO allumni Paloma Schneideman and her debut feature film Big Girls Don't Cry which opens NZIFF and recently won the Grand Prix at the Biarritz Film Festival. Congratulations to Paloma and her cast and crew.
"To share and encourage the talent of new filmmakers and storytellers in New Zealand, through the Wave in the Ocean 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." - Jane Campion.

A Wave in the Ocean was honoured with a Tribute at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia (2025) that featured seven short films by its students. Lion Rock by Nick Mayow and Prisca Bouchet was also in competition in the Orizzonti Short Films section.

"I am extremely proud of all our participants of A WAVE IN THE OCEAN for their tenacious commitment to film and to each making a really beautiful and intriguing short film. My gratitude goes to the extraordinary financial support given to the Pop-up school by NETFLIX without which it would not at all be possible, as well as significant and impassioned support from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission. AWITO received further support from many people throughout our NZ film community and we are deeply grateful to everyone who answered our requests for help including actors, practitioners and facilities." Jane Campion

The 15 week fulltime workshop programme for AWITO 2 wrapped July 2025. Each filmmaker will produce an original short film to be completed in 2026. Funded by Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission.

We're delighted to acknowledge additional support from Netflix and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission for a new feature film development initiative available to the ten filmmakers from AWITO 1.

A six month feature film development programme, supported by Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission.

LTR: Awanui Simich-Pene, Yamin Tun, Hiona Henare, Martin Sagadin