DEGANZ members Mia Maramara (Incubator alum), Bala Murali Shingade, and Victoria Boult (Ngāi Tahu) are earning recognition as burgeoning writer/directors.

Mia, along with three others, has been selected for the 2023 Tāhuna Writers Retreat in Queenstown. During the month-long residency, Mia will take part in workshops on writing for international television markets. Throughout the program, she will develop a scripted drama series concept based and produced in the Queenstown Lakes. Participants will then pitch their concepts to a selection committee where Great Southern Television will have first right to option and commission a pilot script.

Meanwhile, Bala and Victoria have been accepted for Show Me Shorts’ Screenwriting Lab this year. This prestigious lab supports filmmakers in developing their short film ideas. Bala and Victoria will receive tailored insight from industry pros during the weekend lab, followed by a year of development mentoring. This year’s mentors include Shuchi Kothari and Nick Ward.

It is always great to see our members flourishing as filmmakers and gaining great opportunities for future projects. Congrats to all; we can’t wait to see what comes next!