South Auckland Short Film Workshop 2025

Join Script to Screen for a one-day short film workshop in South Auckland. Thanks to the support of Foundation North, anyone - no matter their filmmaking experience, can learn to develop their short film ideas.

Feel empowered with the tools to make your story come to life. This workshop will cover the key fundamentals of creating short films including crafting story ideas, pitching to collaborators and what it takes to be able to go on to make a short film.

This workshop is led by award-winning actor, writer, director Nikki Si’ulepa, who tells bold, heartfelt stories that champion underrepresented voices and communities —stories with grit, soul, and the occasional cheeky wink. The mana of you and your story ideas will be safely held throughout the duration of the day.

The South Auckland Short Film Workshop provides a stepping stone to applying for the Script to Screen South Shorts Mentorship programme as well as other short film initiatives like Day One Shorts. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet other creatives within the community and be inspired by filmmaking’s possibilities.

We welcome anyone who wants to tell their stories through film. If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local South Auckland creative this workshop is for you.

When and where:
Saturday 1st November 2025
9am – 5pm

Friendship House, 20 Putney Way, Manukau, South Auckland
The venue is wheelchair accessible 

Cost: $12.50 (INC BF & GST) Book via Humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch

What to bring:

• Pen, paper/notebook or iPad or laptop
  We do not advise participants to take notes on phones.

• Water bottle

• Keep cup

• Lunch (Cafe and foodcourt close by if required)

Morning tea and afternoon tea are provided.

PARKING: We recommend arriving early with plenty of time to find parking. The Westfield Manukau Mall parking has time limits. We recommend parking at the Manukau Station Road car park ($5 for the day) or using public transport. 

ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR

NIKKI SI’ULEPA

Nikki Si’ulepa (she/her) is an award-winning actor, writer, and director whose work spans film, television, and digital platforms. She’s lit up screens in Bookworm, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Tangata Pai, Creamerie, Housebound, Same But Different, and Pot Luck—and her films have screened (and won stuff!) at Berlinale, Tribeca, Sydney, Melbourne, FIFO, and NZIFF.

A proud Sāmoan, queer creative, Nikki tells bold, heartfelt stories that champion underrepresented voices and communities—stories with grit, soul, and the occasional cheeky wink. She is a co-founder of PISA – PACIFIC ISLANDS SCREEN ARTISTS – a global Pasifika screen collective. She also runs ACTING UP! FOR SCREEN and SCREENFIT—fast-paced, no-fluff workshops where actors, writers, and directors flex their creative muscles and get real-time feedback (with less sweat, more script).

Whether she’s behind the camera or holding space as a kaihautū for emerging storytellers, Nikki’s all about inclusive, collaborative, fun spaces—with purpose, passion, and a healthy amount of laughs along the way.

This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North and Auckland Council Creative Communities Scheme.