Fourteen-year-old Milli Banbury is in her fourth year running the Sunny Side Up Children’s Film Festival, following in the footsteps of her father, Shem, who leads the Tauranga Mountain Film Festival.

The idea for running a film festival for children came when she was 11. “My dad runs the Tauranga Mountain Film Festival. I got the idea from him,” Banbury, from Tauranga, told the Weekend Sun last year.

The Sunny Side Up Festival – set for July 10, during the school holidays – showcases 10 short, animated films, with each lasting between two and 18 minutes, that have been carefully selected for primary-aged children, Banbury said.

This year, the festival takes place at Tauranga Boys’ College’s Graham Young Youth Theatre, with two sessions scheduled – at 10am and 1pm. Each session can host up to 225 people, Banbury said.

Between films, attendees can enjoy interactive games and prizes, adding to the fun atmosphere.

Banbury said her motivation for running the festival is simple – she wants to give kids a “nice day” filled with movies made just for their age group.

“[But] The festival isn’t just for kids – adults can enjoy the films too.”

Drawing on her unique insight as a teenager, she vets all the films, ensuring they capture the attention of both children and adults.

This year’s line-up includes films submitted by the New York Children’s Film Festival and Auckland’s Media Design School.

For now, Banbury plans to keep the Sunny Side Up Festival in Tauranga but hopes to expand it to cities like Queenstown or Wellington in future.

Despite her passion for running the festival, Banbury said she had no interest in making films herself – she simply enjoys bringing great films to young audiences.

The festival is sponsored by Better Finance, Moana Road, Eco Store, Suburbia and Kiwi Kids News.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/2025-sunny-side-up-childrens-film-festival/tauranga