DEGANZ Watch List: New Series and Day One Shorts
This DEGANZ Watch List features new factual series and the online release of the 2026 Day One Shorts, following their premiere at Show Me Shorts.
Season two of Licence to Drive, by DEGANZ member Robyn Paterson, arrives on 4 November. The series puts Kiwis with disabilities in the driver’s seat as they navigate the milestones, nerves and hijinks of learning to drive. Watch the trailer below for a first look at the new season.
Also new to the factual space is Te Ara Poutama, a web series directed by DEGANZ Vice President Rāhera Herewini-Mulligan. Edited by both Rāhera and her wife and fellow member, Janice Herewini-Mulligan, the series follows rising Māori talent in the music industry.
The 2026 Day One Shorts also spotlight emerging filmmakers, with both documentary and drama represented. In Silver Lining, Harriett Maire (DEGANZ) distils 25 years of living with a chronic illness into a 15-minute documentary, edited by fellow member Josh Yong. Meanwhile, DEGANZ member Connor Amor-Bendall explores the messy dynamics of friendship and exes in the short drama Mutually Assured Destruction, edited by Sam Small (DEGANZ).
Check out the trailer and explore the latest releases below!
Licence to Drive S2
Factual Series
Executive Producer and Director: Robyn Paterson
Licence to Drive returns for a second season, featuring a new group of Kiwi drivers with disabilities taking on the challenge of getting behind the wheel, alongside some returning favourites who are taking the next step in their driving journeys. Across the season, drivers work with instructors, families and support networks to build their skills and confidence, while discovering what it takes to make driving work for them. Some chase the freedom that comes with a licence for the first time; others return to see how far they can go.
Coming soon to Sky from 4 November.
Mutually Assured Destruction
Short Film
Writer/Director: Connor Amor-Bendall
Editor: Sam Small
A casual drink between four exes quickly sours into queer chaos when a long-buried secret surfaces, putting whatever hope they have of friendship on the line.
Silver Lining
Short Documentary
Writer/Director/Producer: Harriett Maire
Editor: Josh Yong
Approaching 25 years with a chronic illness, Harriett Maire explores how it feels to live with type 1 diabetes.
Te Ara Poutama
Factual Web Series
Director: Rāhera Herewini-Mulligan
Editors: Rāhera Herewini-Mulligan & Janice Herewini-Mulligan
A new series by Waiata Anthems showcasing some of the amazing emerging Māori talent in the music industry. Supported by the best of the best–established tuakana artists who want to see them flourish–the series follows different artists’ stories and songs.
Last updated on 23 October 2026
