The Top of The South Film Festival

The Top of The South Film Festival returns for a special edition and an even bigger celebration on its 5th year Anniversary. Two days of celebratory events where our red carpet rolls out to our local filmmaking talents, a chance to share food, drinks and to mingle with the celebrities, before premiering the 2019 “Gold Reel” selection of the best short films created in the Top of the South.
Nelson screenings are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14 at the Suter Theatre. Each evening starts with a locally made feature film starting at 4pm (separate booking) highlighting local treasures:

Friday, 4pm: "Blue Moon" (2018), a thriller feature film from local writer/director Stefen Harris, entirely shot in Motueka, followed by Q&A.
Saturday, 4pm: "Hang Time" (2018), a wine-fuelled comedy feature film from NZ writer/director Casey Zilbert and producer Steve Barr featuring the Marlborough wine region, followed by Q&A with the director, actors and crew.

Then both evenings will unfold with:
- “Red-Carpet” gala from 6 to 7pm with food and beverages followed by,
- “2019 Gold Reel” screening the best 16 local short films selected by an expert panel of judges, ending with
- “People’s Choice” vote and awards presentation

From thrillers and dramas to westerns, musicals and documentaries—this year’s films showcase the artistry of our local Top of the South filmmakers. Tickets will be available from the State Cinema Nelson and from their online booking site.

Every year, TOTS Film Festival is open to submissions from Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and Golden Bay. 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. In addition to Nelson, the film festival will also run in Blenheim Kaikoura and Motueka.