DEGANZ Members Make Their Mark at NZ Web Fest 2026
DEGANZ members are making a strong showing at the 2026 NZ Web Fest, with 15 projects featuring DEGANZ members selected for this year’s lineup. The selection spans short documentaries, narrative shorts, web series, and music videos.
Since its inception in 2015, the virtual festival has curated and celebrated online short films, web series, and podcasts from around the world. This year’s festival runs from 13–23 November, bringing together a diverse programme of digital storytelling from local and international creators.
Read more about the DEGANZ members’ projects below, and keep an eye out for when registrations open for the festival!
Documentary Shorts
Silver Lining
Director: Harriett Maire
Editor: Josh Yong
Approaching 25 years with a chronic illness, Harriett Maire explores how it feels to live with type 1 diabetes.
Narrative Shorts
Pākehā
Writer/Director: Mana Hira Davis
In 1980s New Zealand, a young Pākehā mother’s determination to learn Te Reo Māori exposes her struggles, resilience, and courage, in an inspiring true story of cultural reconciliation.
Raupā
Editor: Allan George
Raupā follows Kingi as he confronts his strained relationship with his comatose father, navigating grief, family dynamics and the healing power of family and connection.
The Whole Thing
Director: Calvin Sang
Two strangers meet at a crematorium while picking up their loved ones’ remains. They decide to spend the day together, killing time and watching the world go by.
When Cheese is On Sale
Director & Editor: Ash Kelliher
Three twenty-something friends navigate the messy, chaotic beauty of young adulthood while living together. Their shared moments – ordinary yet quirky – unfold in a tapestry of growth, intimacy, and bittersweet realisations about life, friendship, and identity.
When the Music Stops
Director: Dan Eady
When a hardened crime lord resists traditional tactics, an unconventional interrogator is brought in to play.
Working From Home
Writer/Director: Diane Young
There’s always some s#!& to clean up…
You Seeing Someone?
Director: Molly Power
When a Peeping Tom discovers that someone watches her while she watches others, her life spirals out of control as she tries to discover who they are.
Narrative Shorts (Student)
T for Taupou
Writer, Director, and Editor: Sofia Misa
A fast-paced, chaotic story that takes place in real-time, all in a backstage room as a Poly Club of tertiary students prepares to take the stage for a competition.
This is Where I Come From (Ito Ang Aking Pinanggagalingan)
Director: Meggy Laguda
After migrating from the Philippines to suburban Aotearoa, 17-year-old Sabina tries to relearn an old dance while grappling with grief for her Lola from across the world. The film traces how movement, memory and family stories become a bridge between the place you come from and the place you now call home.
Web Series Pilots
Jani Bros
Editor: Adam-Luka Turjak
Two codependent brothers are forced to support their family’s struggling crop-growing business, but their burning desire to forge their own paths throws their brotherhood into turmoil.
Strange Brew
Editor: Sam Small
Surpassed by a perfect Machine, an aspiring Barista Champion enters a virtual realm to seek the knowledge of her Hero.
Takahoa
Director: Meggy Laguda
The Takahoa pilot introduces best friends Hana, Alice, Sam, Marley, and Eli. After Hana wins second place at an Art Gallery competition, Marley makes a racist comment towards the first-place winner, Anahera, who overhears and confronts Hana.
Web Series
Feelings Club
Writer/Director: Taylor Nixon
New kid Toby starts up a secret support group in a brutal school…
Takahoa
Director: Meggy Laguda
Five childhood friends navigate love, family drama, and self-discovery as they transition into adulthood together.
Music Videos
Kiss it Better
Editors: Zane Neki and Crystal Chen
Official Video for “Kiss It Better” by Crystal Chen
Last updated on 10 September 2026
