We accept short films up to 15 minutes long, produced in the Top of the South Island region of New Zealand or by Kiwi filmmakers worldwide. Films are accepted in the following genres: narrative (fictional), animation, music video, documentary, micro short and work created by secondary students.
We have two entry sections: the Regional category and the Aotearoa category.
The Regional category is for locally produced films from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand: Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough districts, as well as the neighbouring regions of Buller and Kaikōura. The Aotearoa category is for films produced within New Zealand or NZ citizens/permanent residents internationally.
REGIONAL CATEGORY
Eligibility
At least ONE individual among the positions of writer, director, or producer permanently resides in the Top of the South region, AND,
• the film has TWO MORE individuals fulfilling the functions of writer, director, producer, director of photography, editor, or lead actors who also permanently reside in the Top of the South region, AND
• 60% of production and post-production days must be done in the Top of the South region
Any films not meeting these criteria will automatically be submitted to the Aotearoa category competition. (Additional entry fees may apply.) The Film Festival Director will determine the eligibility of borderline cases.
THE AOTEAROA CATEGORY
The Aotearoa category showcases some of the best short films from around New Zealand and by Kiwi filmmakers worldwide.
Eligibility
NZ films produced nationwide, outside the Top of the South region. Films produced internationally by New Zealand citizens or permanent residents will also be considered. The movie can be of any genre and a maximum of 15 minutes. Exceptional films will be accepted at the Film Festival Director’s sole discretion.
SUBMISSION FEES
Submission to the Regional category is $40. Top of the South Filmmakers society members are eligible for a discount, please get in touch with director@tsfilmmakers.org.nz for a discount code.
Submission fees are non-refundable.
ENTRY RULES
1. Films entered after the deadline will not be accepted.
2. Films must be submitted in one of the following categories: Narrative film (fictional), Documentary, Animation, Music Video, Student film (up to yr 13), or Aotearoa film (NZ short films created outside of the Top of the South region and/or by New Zealand citizens/permanent residents).
3. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023. Some exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the TSFF Director.
4. Films must be 15 minutes or less, including credits. At the sole discretion of the festival director, films of longer duration may be accepted if they are significant to filmmakers based in the Top of the South.
5. Black screen credits must be no longer than 30 seconds.
6. Films must not contain copyright-infringing content, including music, video, or photos. Any film identified as containing obvious copyright content without the appropriate license or written release will not be accepted.
7. By submitting your film, you grant the Top of the South Film Festival the following rights to your film, film excerpts and associated material (e.g. production stills) at no cost to the Top of the South Film Festival:
• to publicly screen your film in association with TSFF events
• to extract and edit excerpts from your film for current and future TSFF promotional purposes.
8. Submitting your film does not guarantee that it will be screened. All films are subject to quality control measures and will be viewed by a panel of judges.
9. The FVLB will rate films and must achieve a rating of “G,” “PG,” or “M” (see below). At the curators' and director's discretion, films that curators consider inappropriate for a mixed-age audience may not be screened.
10. If a film is rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body (FVLB) as harder than an “M”, a three-day extension to edit and resubmit may be granted. If you choose not to resubmit or miss the three-day deadline, your film will be removed from the festival. If you choose not to re-submit your film, you must immediately let the Festival Director know your intention to withdraw your film.
