New Zealand Sweetens Film Incentives, Revives India Co-Production Dreams

The New Zealand Film Commission is mounting a push into the Indian market, unveiling enhanced incentive packages while seeking to revitalize a largely dormant co-production treaty that has been utilized just once in 15 years. Speaking to Variety ahead of the WAVES Film Bazaar in Goa, NZFC CEO Annie Murray outlined significant changes to the country's International New Zealand Screen Production Rebate that take effect January 1, 2026. The modifications, which Murray said were informed by feedback from the Producers Guild of India, aim to position New Zealand as a more competitive destination for Indian productions of varying scales. According to Murray, the revamped rebate will offer a higher percentage of funding for larger productions, with a maximum rebate of 40% available for projects with a budget of $20 million or more. This move is expected to attract more big-budget films to New Zealand, which has already seen a surge in international productions in recent years, including the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Murray emphasized that the changes were made in response to feedback from the Indian film industry, which has been looking for more favorable incentives to collaborate with New Zealand. "We've had a long-standing relationship with the Indian film industry, and we're excited to see this new development," said Murray. "We believe that our unique landscapes, diverse cultures, and world-class infrastructure make us an ideal location for Indian productions." The co-production treaty between New Zealand and India has been largely dormant since its establishment in 2009, with only one project utilizing the agreement in the past 15 years. However, with the revamped rebate and increased incentives, industry insiders expect a renewed interest in co-production between the two countries. "This is a great opportunity for Indian filmmakers to tap into the global market and create content that resonates with audiences worldwide," said Ashoke Pandit, a prominent Indian film producer. The WAVES Film Bazaar, which takes place in Goa from November 23 to 25, is a major platform for international film industry professionals to network and collaborate. The event is expected to attract a large number of Indian filmmakers and producers, who will be able to take advantage of the new incentives and explore co-production opportunities with New Zealand. As the Indian film industry continues to grow and expand globally, New Zealand is positioning itself as a key player in the region. With its stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and world-class infrastructure, New Zealand is well-equipped to host a wide range of film productions, from big-budget blockbusters to smaller, independent projects. As Murray noted, "We're excited to see the impact of these changes and to welcome more Indian productions to our shores."