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.
Ticketing details:
- Nelson events are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 17 & 18 (Suter Theatre). Tickets available at events.humanitix.com/tsfilmfest/tickets
- Marlborough screenings 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). Tickets at Humanitix
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.
2025 Programme of Events
Thursday 16 Oct
THE TAVERN FEATURE FILM
7-9pm | Blenheim Event Cinemas | R16
$14
Special screening of indie comedy 'The Tavern’, followed by a Q&A and opportunity to meet lead actor & writer/producer, Matt Hicks. To watch the trailer visit thetavernmovie.com
PLEASE NOTE: this is a Restricted 16yrs+ screening containing sexual material & offensive language.
Friday 17 Oct
COOPER SAVAGE OPENING NIGHT
6-9pm | The Suter, Nelson | M rating
$14-18
Welcoming Pōwhiri, complimentary canapés, followed by a screening of 13 of the region's finest short films.
Reality Check | The Ballad of Mickey Dicker | Of the Land, For The Future: | The Chip | Cabernet Crusher | Being Frida | Killing of S Molly | The Good Man | Intermission | The Great Heist | Yes, Master | Micro Heist | The Path to Perfection | My Father My Son
Saturday 18 Oct
INDUSTRY PANEL
10-11:30am | The Suter Education Room, Nelson
$ Koha (spaces limited - must pre-book)
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.
MAKING & MARKETING YOUR INDIE FEATURE
1-2:20pm | The Suter Education Room, Nelson
$14-18
Ever wondered how to take an indie film from idea to packed-out screenings? Join Matt Hicks, writer, producer, and actor of the Waikato-made indie comedy The Tavern, for an open workshop that covers the full journey — from financing and assembling a team to clever grassroots marketing strategies that get audiences turning up. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences, making this a lively, practical session for anyone curious about the spirit of indie filmmaking.
SCREENING
2:30-4:15pm | The Suter Theatre, Nelson | M rating
$14-18
A curated collection of ten short films produced both locally and nationally.
Bump and Grind | Worlds Apart | Allergic to Avocados | Heads or Tails | Double Date | Intermission | Novacaine | A Dark Night | Hellblade | Nest | Parasocial
SCREENING
6pm | The Suter Theatre, Nelson | M rating
$14-18
A curated collection of eight short films produced throughout New Zealand.
Bottle Money | Lookout | Ruru | Homecoming | Intermission
Riverbound | Befana | My Years of Fear and Trembling | PleasureDora
Sunday 19 Oct
MARLBOROUGH LOCATIONS BUS TOUR
10:15am-1pm | Departing 10:30am from ASB Theatre Marlborough
$20
Join locations manager & scout Dylan Poihipi on a tour around Marlborough as we discuss the art & technicalities of locations for film.
SCREENING
2-4pm | The Anderson, ASB Theatre Marlborough | M rating
$14-18
A curated collection of short films produced both within the Top of the South region and nationally.
Novacaine | Of the Land, For the Future: | Cabernet Crusher | A Dark Night | Micro Heist | Killing of S Molly | The Ballad of Mickey Dicker | Worlds Apart | Hellblade | Intermission | The Good Man | The Great Heist | Parasocial | Double Date | Bottle Money
SCREEN MARLBOROUGH SCREENING & AWARDS
5:30pm | The Anderson, ASB Theatre Marlborough | M rating
$14-18
Walk the red carpet and have your photo taken by one of our professional photographers. Network over grazing platters and mingle with the VIP’s. Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar, before the final screening of nine national and local short films begins at 6:30pm.
Awards presentations from 8:15pm.
The Chip | Being Frida | The Path to Perfection | Yes, Master | Bump & Grind | Intermission | Reality Check | Homecoming | My Father My Son | PleasureDora
Tuesday 21 Oct
SCREENWRITING WITH MICHAEL BENNETT
5:30pm | Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre, Stoke
$35
Join Michael Bennett for a fun, fast-paced tour through the writing toolbox of an acclaimed screenwriter, using short films, music videos, and excerpts from great movies to explore some of the most important fundamentals of storytelling for the screen. This workshop is in collaboration with Nelson Arts Festival.
Tickets are on sale now!
Nelson screenings and associated Nelson & Blenheim events: events.humanitix.com/tsfilmfest/tickets
Blenheim screenings at ASB Theatre Marlborough only: eventfinda.co.nz/2025/top-of-the-south-film-festival/blenheim