That’s the Spirit! Osman’s ‘Arrival’ Wins at NZIFF

DEGANZ Member Ahmed Osman’s short film, Arrival, has won the 2026 Spirit of the Civic Award at NZIFF. Along with the accolade, Ahmed will receive a $4,000 cash prize.

Filmed in part at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, the film follows a mother and daughter as they settle into their life in Aotearoa as refugees. Exploring the struggles of leaving an entire life behind, Ahmed draws on his own personal experiences as a refugee to tell this authentic story. The film provides powerful insight into the realities of resettlement and refugee resilience.

Staff at the Resettlement Centre found the film to be extremely resonant. Residential Team Leader Ko Parsons claimed that Ahmed truly captured refugees’ experiences and created an extremely emotional film.

Chosen as one of the 14 finalists from a total of 130 films submitted for NZIFF’s Aotearoa’s Best Shorts Programme, Arrival has also been selected for the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). Ahmed is currently in Melbourne participating in the MIFF Accelerator Lab to showcase the film and connect with international filmmaking networks and opportunities.

Congratulations to Ahmed and all those involved in the making of the film!

Last updated on 13 August 2026