The Nelson region played an important part in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. Two of its most spectacular locations, Mount Owen and Mount Olympus, featured as Dimril Dale and the Eregeon Hills respectively. However, it was not just the scenery of Nelson that featured in the epic - several of the region’s artisans were also involved.

Taking centre stage, the ring was designed by local jeweller Jens Hansen. Jens unfortunately died before the first film was released, but his sons Thorkild and Halfden continued with the project and are still producing rings based on their father’s original design.

Local fashion designer Annie Tatton worked on costume design and fabrication for the films. She has continued her connection with the film industry and her creations will grace cinema screens around the world in the CS Lewis classic, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.
Long time local resident Dan Hennah must also be congratulated. He won an Oscar for his role as art director in the final film, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King.

However, it has not just been local creative types that have made the Hollywood connection. The beer served at the Prancing Pony in the village of Bree in The Lord of the Rings trilogy was brewed by local Nelson brewery, Harringtons.

And the support for film in the region continues. Nelson now plays host to an annual international short film festival, The Flying Fives, and a local film office has been set up to help support local production.