The New Zealand government is expanding the International Screen Production Rebate (ISPR) to help the country remain competitive in the global film industry. From January 2026, the minimum spend for eligible productions will drop from $15 million to $4 million, allowing smaller-budget projects to access the rebate. While this opens the gates to the international film market, questions arise about what it could mean for films from India.
Pritesh Raniga, founder of Forum Films, which was established in 1997 and is the largest New Zealand-based company distributing Indian films in the region, welcomed the move.
“It is a great step forward and lowering the minimum benchmark of investing in NZ is a great opportunity,” Raniga said.
He called it a positive recognition by the New Zealand government of the competitive dynamics in the global film sector. Raniga described the changes as a “win-win” situation, noting that regional cinemas from India coming to New Zealand could also benefit while gaining exposure in New Zealand, and in turn creating a better market for the country.
The potential of regional cinema being shot in New Zealand is already evident.
Regional films such as Pushpa, KGF, Kannappa, and Game Changer, all distributed by Forum Films, exemplify the growing opportunities in the film market.
“Forum Films has the largest access to regional cinema coming to New Zealand from India,” Raniga said.
He said films such as Kanappa and Game Changer, which were shot in New Zealand and distributed by Forum Films, as examples of how the country is encouraging regional Indian productions.
Raniga added that the rebate expansion is expected to benefit not only regional cinema but also mainstream Bollywood films and smaller-scale productions, while keeping New Zealand competitive on the international stage.
Forum Films is also producing a Marathi film in Australia this year, further highlighting its commitment to regional cinema.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the screen sector contributes $3.5 billion annually to the economy. She added that the updates aim to support Kiwi talent, attract investment, and build international partnerships, strengthening New Zealand’s position as a hub for global screen production.