Day One Hāpai te Haeata is a nationwide initiative that removes barriers for emerging screen storytellers to share their perspectives on issues that matter. Through free programmes, hands-on workshops, industry mentorship, and funded short film production, we support rangatahi and emerging filmmakers who have faced barriers to creative participation, whether that's age, experience, geography, socioeconomic circumstances, cultural background, or simply never having had an entry point into the screen industry. Since 2007, we've supported over 9,260 participants across Aotearoa, funded 58 short films, and helped build a pipeline of diverse filmmakers who are reshaping what Aotearoa storytelling looks like.