Sawmill Studios & Screen Marlborough Back South Island Talent

Posted 18th July 2025

Sawmill Studios & Screen Marlborough Back South Island Talent in 48Hours Film Competition

Sawmill Studios and Screen Marlborough are thrilled to announce their sponsorship of two exciting awards at this year’s Vista Foundation 48Hours – The Ōtautahi Regional Winner and The Across Aotearoa Regional Winner!

As passionate advocates for screen storytelling in the South Island, both organisations understand the unique challenges faced by filmmakers operating outside of the North Island’s larger screen hubs. Access to resources, networks, and exposure can be harder to come by – but creativity, drive, and talent are abundant.

In a show of support and solidarity with filmmakers across the motu, each of the winning teams will receive:

• $1,000 prize money from Sawmill Studios

• $250 travel support from Screen Marlborough to help get to the Grand Finals.

This initiative is about more than just recognition – it's about uplifting regional voices, championing homegrown stories, and helping filmmakers take their next step on the national stage.

From all of the top of the South team Good luck! Go hard! Happy filmmaking!