Top of the South Film Festival

The Top of the South Film Festival (TSFF) returns for it's 11th annual edition.

With three days of celebratory events throughout Nelson & Marlborough, this is a chance to walk the red carpet, share food and drinks, and mingle with the celebrities before premiering the 2025 selection of the best short films created both nationally and in the Top of the South region.

From thrillers and dramas to westerns, animated comedies and documentaries—this year’s screenings contain entertainment for all.

Nelson events are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 17 & 18 (Suter Theatre). Tickets available at Humanitix.

Marlborough events are scheduled for Sunday, October 19 (ASB Theatre). Tickets from ASB Theatre Marlborough box office or online at Eventfinda.

A Marlborough screening of home-grown indie feature film 'The Tavern' (R16), is also scheduled for Thursday 16 October (Blenheim Event Cinemas) followed by a Q&A and opportunity to meet lead actor & writer/producer, Matt Hicks. To watch the trailer visit thetavernmovie.com. Tickets at Humanitix.

Thursday 16 Oct

7-9pm - Special screening of indie comedy 'The Tavern', Blenheim Event Cinemas. PLEASE NOTE: this is a Restricted 16yrs+ screening containing sexual material & offensive language.

Friday 17 Oct

6pm - Welcoming Pōwhiri, complimentary canapés followed by a screening of 13 of the region's finest short films. The Suter Theatre, Nelson. M rating.

Saturday 18 Oct

10-11:45am - A unique opportunity to hear from industry experts AD Jonny Eagle (Rogue One, No Time to Die, Guardians of the Galaxy), Writer/Producer Cathasaigh Ó Fiannachta (Shortland Street, Born to Dance), and others (TBA). Bring all your film industry questions. Moderated by Douglas Brooks. The Suter Education Room, Nelson.

1pm-2:20pm - Workshop with actor/producer Matt Hicks: Making & Marketing Your Indie Feature. The Suter Education Room, Nelson.

2:30-4:15pm - Screening: a curated collection of ten short films produced both locally and nationally. The Suter Theatre, Nelson. M rating.

6pm - Aotearoa Screening: eight of the finest short films produced throughout New Zealand. The Suter Theatre, Nelson. M rating.

Sunday 19 Oct

10:15am-1pm - Locations Bus Tour: Join locations manager & scout Dylan Poihipi on a tour around Marlborough as we discuss the art & technicalities of locations for film. Departing from ASB Theatre Marlborough.

2-4pm - Screening: a curated collection of short films produced within the Top of the South region as well as nationally. The Anderson, ASB Theatre Marlborough. M rating.

5:30pm - Red Carpet awards night: Doors open at 5:30pm with grazing platters in the foyer. Screening of a curated collection of national and local short films begins at 6:30 followed by awards presentation from 8:15pm. The Anderson, ASB Theatre Marlborough. M rating.

All festival proceeds are donated to the Top of the South Film Production Society, which provides financial support to its members who pursue the art of filmmaking in our Top of the South region.