The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is proud to announce its nomination as ‘Film Commission of the Year’ in the 2025 Cannes Global Production Awards (GPA), alongside Australia, Ireland and Spain.
The announcement coincides with NZFC’s attendance at the Cannes Film Market as part of a strategic Cannes Film Trade Mission, a focused initiative to promote and grow Aotearoa New Zealand’s screen exports.
“The Cannes Fillm Trade Mission is a vital platform to build creative and commercial partnerships that elevate New Zealand’s presence in the global screen industry — and to position our country as the ultimate canvas for international filmmakers and storytellers” says NZFC Chief Executive Annie Murray
“The annual mission is an important fixture in the international calendar and forms part of NZFC’s long-term strategy to expand the global reach of New Zealand’s screen talent, locations and services.”
Murray says the Global Production Awards, which celebrate excellence in film production, locations and studios, are a valuable recognition of the local and economic impact of screen production.
“I’m delighted to see several New Zealand nominations this year, including Screen Canterbury, Auckland-based production company GFC Films, Craig Gainsborough from Greenlit, and the Māoriland Charitable Trust,” says Murray.
“These awards highlight the often-unsung work behind the camera, the production, location and infrastructure expertise that makes great films possible. They reflect not just the efforts of the NZFC, but the depth and diversity of talent across New Zealand’s screen sector.
“To see New Zealand people, organisations and locations recognised alongside some of the most respected names in the industry underscores the growing international regard for Aotearoa as a world-class production destination,” she says.
The GPA ceremony takes place on 19 May in Cannes, during the Cannes Film Market. NZFC representatives will attend the event while continuing their wider trade mission—meeting with global partners, showcasing New Zealand’s screen potential, and driving new opportunities for the country’s creative sector.
Details of the nominations are:
Location of the year award - Selwyn District, Canterbury
Emerging location award - Canterbury
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion award - Auckland based production company General Film & Communication Films (GFC Films)
Economic and Social Inclusion category - Screen Canterbury and Māoriland charitable trust
Film Commission of the Year - New Zealand Film Commission
The full shortlist is available on: www.globalproductionawards.com/shortlist-2025