Canterbury’s screen industry has received global recognition, with Screen CanterburyNZ named a finalist in three categories at the prestigious Screen International 2025 Global Production Awards.
The nominations include Economic and Social Impact, Emerging Location Award, and Location of the Year, placing the region alongside internationally renowned productions such as Wicked, Bridgerton, and Bridget Jones’s Diary.
The shortlist highlights Canterbury’s growing profile as a sought-after filming destination, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes that stretch from expansive plains to the dramatic Southern Alps. Recent productions filmed in the region include Bookworm, We Were Dangerous, and Went Up the Hill.
“This is a win for our entire region, and for the amazing screen community helping make Canterbury a world-class film destination,” says Petrina D’Rozario – head of Screen CanterburyNZ at ChristchurchNZ.
In the highly competitive Location of the Year category, Selwyn's cinematic scenery competes with international locations including Maraya in Saudi Arabia, the Moab Desert in Utah, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, and Ravenscourt Park Hospital in London. Selwyn has served as the backdrop for several recent major productions, highlighting its versatility and dramatic appeal.
For Economic and Social Impact, the Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant has been recognised for its role in supporting We Were Dangerous by Piki Films. The grant, managed by ChristchurchNZ, is part of a regional initiative aimed at attracting significant screen productions to the area.
Canterbury’s nomination in the Emerging Location Award category further cements its growing status as a dynamic and desirable destination for filmmakers.
The Global Production Awards, which honour excellence and innovation in film and television production worldwide, will be presented at the Cannes Film Festival on 19 May.
Ms D’Rozario said the recognition is a testament to the strength of the region’s screen sector and the foundations being laid for its future.
“Our region boasts some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes and the education and talent pathways in place are growing capacity in the industry. The regional Screen Grant is providing incredible return on investment and highly effective in luring big productions here, all contributing to a brighter future for our regional screen sector,” said Ms D’Rozario.
Selwyn District Council’s Executive Director of Community Facilities and Services, Denise Kidd, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the regional benefits of the nominations.
“These films have highlighted the region’s varied scenery – from expansive flatlands to rolling foothills and the majestic Southern Alps; reinforcing Selwyn’s reputation as a prime filming destination,” said Ms Kidd.
Ms Kidd also expressed gratitude to Screen CanterburyNZ and ChristchurchNZ for their leadership in submitting the entries and praised the broader Canterbury screen community.
“This global nomination puts Selwyn on the map. The presence of these productions has had a positive impact on the district, bringing economic benefits to local businesses and further raising Selwyn’s profile within the screen industry,” she said.
Media enquiries
media@christchurchnz.com
