Queer Story Workshop 2026 - Crafting Your Short Film Script

When: Sat 21 March 2026, 9am-4pm

Where: The Button Factory, 2 Abbey Street, Tāmaki Makaurau (opposite Old Folks Association)

Tickets: $15 waged, $10 unwaged

Join us for a one-day workshop for beginner and emerging queer writers about crafting a short film script. This is an opportunity to gain insight from experienced filmmakers about crafting characters and story dynamics for a short film.

Hear from writer/director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu (We Were Dangerous, When We Were Kids, Ani) and writer/director Todd Karehana (Socks, The River, Ahikāroa) about storytelling decisions they made in their acclaimed short films using examples. The workshop will include a mix of watching, listening, writing exercises and group work.

All levels of experience welcome. To get the most out of the workshop, you are encouraged to come with a short film concept in mind, no matter how early on it is.

SCHEDULE

8:45am - Doors open, coffee and tea available

9am - Intro

9:15am - Guest Speaker - Josephine Stewart Te Whiu (We Were Dangerous, When We Were Kids, Ani)

10:30am - Break

11am - Josephine Stewart Te Whiu continues

12pm - Lunch break (bring own lunch - K’Rd is near by)

1pm - Guest Speaker - Todd Karehana (Socks, The River, Ahikāroa)

2:30pm - Break

3pm - Writing exercises and group work led by Todd Karehana

4pm - End

This workshop is made possible with generous support from the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga.