Film Otago Southland

23/09/2026

HEART OF THE BEAST in cinemas NOW!

Grab your tickets to see our backyard standing in as the Alaskan Wilderness in the survival thriller and spot some familiar scenery.�

In cinemas nationwide from today!

23/09/2026

From the mountains of Queenstown and Glenorchy to the depths of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Park, the South Island provided the backdrop for HEART OF THE BEAST.

Hear from Brad Pitt, director David Ayer and producer Olivia Hamilton about what made filming in our region so special and instrumental to their story.

HEART OF THE BEAST is out now in selected local cinemas, and officially released nationwide tomorrow!

21/09/2026

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21/09/2026

Calling all screenwriters...The Queenstown Writers Festival is back for another year and acclaimed screenwriter & novelist Gavin Strawhan will be leading a workshop on how to create, write and deepen characters through great dialogue across different formats.

Gavin's screen work includes Neighbours, Shortland Street and This Is Not My Life, while his first novel, The Call, won the Allen & Unwin fiction prize.

His workshop will take place on Friday 6 Nov from 9am to 11am at Te Atamira. Get your tickets below!

Full programme Event Details Speakers More Events View All

18/09/2026

🎬 HEART OF THE BEAST hits cinemas 24 September!

Starring Brad Pitt (and some local canine talent) and directed by David Ayer, HEART OF THE BEAST is a gripping survival thriller filmed right here across Otago and Southland.

The film shot largely on location with our landscapes standing in for the Alaskan wilderness, as well as utilizing studio facilities up in Auckland. We’re looking forward to seeing the region up on the big screen when it hits New Zealand cinemas.

Advance screenings are happening from this Saturday, 19 September, at the below local cinemas:

📍 Dorothy Browns — Arrowtown
📍 Silky Otter — Frankton
📍 Cinema Paradiso — Wānaka
📍 Rialto Cinemas — Dunedin

Check your local cinema for screening times and to grab your tickets!

13/09/2026

Tonight's the night! Season two of A Remarkable Place to Die premieres tonight on TVNZ+ in Aotearoa, 8:30pm. Get ready to crack more mysteries alongside Detective Anais Mallory and team against the spectacular backdrop of Queenstown Lakes.

Congratulations to all the local crew, talent and businesses who helped bring this season to life. Looking forward to seeing your mahi on screen once more.

Detective Anais Mallory returns home to picturesque Queenstown, only to be faced with shocking homicides. Amongst the mysteries and idyllic scenery, disturbing echoes from her own past emerge. Made with the support of NZ On Air.

27/08/2026

MUM I'M ALIEN PREGNANT is coming to in Dunedin!

Earlier this year the film screened at Sundance, Fantasia Film Fest, Melbourne International Film Festival, & New Zealand International Film Festival.

Following the screening will be a Q&A with director duo THUNDERLIPS and Hannah Lynch, one of the main leads from the film.

Screening on Thursday September 03 at 7:15pm. Grab your tickets here:
https://www.rialto.co.nz/movie/mum-im-alien-pregnant =2026-09-03

26/08/2026

Have your say in the annual Crew & Business Survey—complete yours today via the link in our bio! 🎬👇
First launched in July 2025, our annual survey provides the essential data underpinning our advocacy with the Government and tracks the health of New Zealand’s international screen sector.
This year’s edition also includes dedicated questions for Post, Digital & VFX businesses.
* Time required: 3 minutes
* Who should respond: Members, crew, businesses, and vendors
* Deadline: 31 August 2026
Every response strengthens our collective voice. Please complete and share widely.

26/08/2026

Applications have been extended and new seminar dates added for the Kahurangi Toi Ātea, National Screen Training Programme 🎥

Screen Industry training specialists, Share The Knowledge and leading educational provider in Māori Performing Arts, Te Wānanga Whare Tapere O Takitimu, in partnership with INDUSTRY SCREEN TRAINING BOARD and with support from and , have designed an industry-led screen industry skills programme for below the line crew – KAHURANGI TOI ĀTEA (KTA).

➡KTA will be offering 6 courses in 2026 and willl take up to 8 participants to ensure a diverse selection across all regions. KTA can work with each individual to understand their needs for participation, and some funding is available to support travel and accommodation for those who require it.

The courses available for the Kahurangi Toi Ātea, 2026 National Screen Industry Training Programme are:
⚪Arts
⚪Production
⚪Technical

📞Free Information seminars will be held on the below dates:
Thursday, 27 August at 7.30pm and Tuesday, 2 September at 7.30pm.

📝With a new deadline for applications on Tuesday 2 September, visit the website to discover more information and to apply!
https://kahurangitoiatea.co.nz

18/08/2026

Get ready to apply for Day One Shorts 2027!

Day One Hāpai te Haeata is seeking diverse emerging directors without prior NZ on Air, Te Māngai Pāho or NZ Film Commission production funding to make their first professionally funded short film.

Directors must be either aged 18-29 or apply under the 30+ sub-category for new and emerging filmmakers. Eight films will be commissioned, including at least two Māori films featuring a minimum of 50% te reo Māori.

All genres and perspectives are welcome, with $20k in drama funding and $15k in documentary funding (subject to change).

Applications close Monday 14 September 2026, midday (no later).

Enquiries: [email protected]
More info: dofilm.co.nz/shorts/