New Zealand's Kids' Film Fest

Sunny
Side Up Film Fest

Tauranga · 9 July 2026

Animated short films from around the world — lively, interactive, and made for curious kids aged 5–12 across Aotearoa.

🎟 Get Tickets See the Films
✨ What we're about

More Than Just a Screening

We introduce children to the magic of cinema in a safe, joyful way — entertaining, lively, and bursting with heart.

Animated Shorts From Around the World

Hand-picked animated films celebrating creativity and storytelling from international filmmakers — each one carefully chosen for ages 5–12.

Lively, Interactive Sessions

This isn't sit-still cinema. Our sessions are energetic and joyful — with games, prizes, and a big friendly crowd of excited kids.

Perfect for Ages 5 to 12

Every film is selected with primary school children in mind — age-appropriate, funny, moving, and brilliantly made.

Safe, Warm, Wonderful

Parents can relax knowing their kids are in a welcoming space designed to spark curiosity and a lifelong love of cinema.

📅 Next Show

Find a Show Near You

The first Thursday of the July school holidays — coming to Tauranga! Grab your tickets before they sell out.

9July

Tauranga

Graham Young Youth Theatre
10:00am
1:00pm
🎟 Buy Tickets
$8
Per Person
$28
Whānau of Four
🎉 What's on

What to Expect

Every session is packed with things to see, do, move, and celebrate.

🎬
Short Films
The best animated shorts from around the world, hand-picked for young audiences.
🎤
Hosted Activities
Engaging hosts, sing-alongs, games and movement breaks that get everyone involved.
🎁
Spot Prizes
Great giveaways and exciting prizes up for grabs throughout the show.
☀️
School Holiday Fun
The perfect school holiday outing for curious kids and their families.
🏫 School Holiday Programmes & Large Groups

Bringing a big group? We offer discounted rates for school holiday programmes, sports clubs, and community groups. Get in touch and we'll sort something out!

🎒 Holiday Programmes
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community Groups
🎟 Discounted Rates
✉ Enquire Now
🎬 On Screen

The 2026 Lineup

We're busy hand-picking the most joyful, surprising animated shorts from around the world. The full lineup is coming soon!

Coming Soon! 🍿
We're currently curating the 2026 programme — searching the globe for the most joyful, creative animated short films for young audiences. Watch this space!
🎬 See Full 2026 Lineup → 📸 Follow for Updates
"We are not your average film screening —
we are the most fun your kids
will have at the movies."
🎟 Book Now
🤝 Our Supporters

Thanks to Our Sponsors

The festival wouldn't be possible without the generous support of these incredible businesses.

📰 As Seen In

People Are Talking

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Promising to be a magical and memorable experience for kids — a fun and safe environment where children can enjoy films, games and prizes."
SunLive
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Carefully selected animated shorts for primary-aged children — the Sunny Side Up Festival is set to live up to its unique vibe."
SunLive
❓ Questions

FAQ

Everything you need to know before the big day.

Sunny Side Up is a children's film festival that celebrates short animated films from around the world. Created by Tauranga local Milli, it's a lively, interactive cinema experience designed especially for primary-aged kids — complete with games, prizes, hosted activities, and lots of surprises. Now in its 5th year!
The festival is designed for primary-aged children between 5 and 12 years old. All films are carefully selected to be age-appropriate, funny, and engaging for this age group. Parents and caregivers are very welcome too — it's a great family outing!
The next show is at the Graham Young Youth Theatre in Tauranga on Wednesday 9 July 2026. Sessions are at 10:00am and 1:00pm. The festival also tours across Aotearoa — keep an eye on our social media for upcoming dates in other cities!
The Tauranga show is on Wednesday 9 July 2026 — the first Thursday of the July school holidays. Tickets are $8 per person or $28 for a whānau of four. You can grab them on Eventfinda — just click any "Buy Tickets" button on this page!
Each session runs for approximately 90 minutes — around 60–70 minutes of short animated films, plus interactive activities, games, and prizes. It's the perfect length for young audiences: long enough to be a proper outing, short enough to keep everyone entertained!
We show a curated selection of short animated films from around the world — from France to Japan, New Zealand to Canada. Each film runs between 2 and 18 minutes and is chosen for its creativity, storytelling, and appeal to young audiences. Some are dialogue-free, some are subtitled, all are brilliant. Head to our Films page to see the lineup!
Yes, tickets are required for all attendees including parents and caregivers at $8 per person — or grab a whānau pass for $28 (covers 4 people). Check Eventfinda for the latest pricing and availability.
Yes! All films are curated for ages 5–12 and are entirely family-friendly — no scary content, violence, or adult themes. Some films are even dialogue-free, making them perfect for the youngest viewers. If you have a very little one (under 5), we recommend sitting near the aisle just in case they need a break.