New Zealand Film
Welcome to the New Zealand Film archive. Most New Zealand films have been made by small independent film-makers, often on a low budget and sometimes with sponsorship from the private sector or the NZ Film Commission. Only recently have international film companies used the New Zealand film industry as a source of feature films. However, the independent tradition of filmmaking in New Zealand dates back to the end of the 19th century, when film was first shot in New Zealand. The first feature film made in Godzone was "Hinemoa". It premiered on August 1, 1914 at the Lyric Theatre, Auckland.
The documentary film Cinema of Unease, by Sam Neill, presents an accessible history of film in New Zealand.
Most films are able to be accessed below, however some Films have been seperated into sub-categories, ie "New Zealand Documentaries", "Short Films" and "Peter Jackson Directs". The mother-lode can be prospected below.
Right: An artists rendition of Geoff Murphy's "Goodbye Pork Pie".
Gardening with Soul (2013)
6.7/10
Director: Jess Feast
Starring: Sister Loyola Galvin
Sister Loyola is one of the liveliest nonagenarians you could ever meet. As the main gardener at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay, Wellington, her... Read more
Gary of the Pacific (2017)
4.8/10
Director: Jarrod Holt, Ryan Hutchings, Nigel McCulloch
Starring: Josh Thomson, Megan Stevenson, Matt Whelan, David Fane, Leigh Hart
Struggling real-estate agent, Gary, wants to be a success. He's got a flash car, a fancy watch, now all he needs is the hot wife. But his girlfriend,... Read more
Giselle (2013)
7.7/10
Director: Toa Fraser
Starring: The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Gillian Murphy, Qi Huan
"Giselle" is acclaimed director Toa Fraser's interpretation of the Royal New Zealand Ballet's production of "Giselle". The classic story of love, erot... Read more
Gloriavale (2022)
7.7/10
When widespread abuse is uncovered at a New Zealand cult, a family must turn to the legal system in an effort to save themselves and their community f... Read more
Good for Nothing (2011)
6/10
Director: Mike Wallis
Starring: Cohen Holloway, Inge Rademeyer
"Good for Nothing" is an entertaining and ironic look into the emotional confusion of an outlaw who reluctantly develops strong feelings for a woman h... Read more
Goodbye Pork Pie (1980)
6.9/10
Director: Geoff Murphy
Starring: Tony Barry, Kelly Johnson, Claire Oberman
Gerry is a 19-year-old unemployed no-hoper from Auckland who illicitly rents a yellow Mini with little more than mischief in mind. He offers a ride to... Read more
Grass Roots (2004)
8.6/10
Deep within the "Grass Roots" of New Zealand film culture can be found a rare breed: the Kiwi short film. Here a celebration of emergent Kiwi film-mak... Read more
Harry - Series 1 (2013)
3.7/10
Director: Christopher Dudman
Starring: Sam Neill, Theresa Healey, Oscar Kightley, Hunter Kamuhemu, Erroll Shand, Matthi...
An edgy and exciting six-part crime drama series set in Auckland, "Harry" is based on inside access to how New Zealand's police and criminals really o... Read more
Haunting Douglas (2003)
6.4/10
Director: Leanne Pooley
Starring: Douglas Wright
'Haunting Douglas' is a documentary about Douglas Wright; choreographer, dancer, artist. From Tuakau, New Zealand to the stages of New York, Douglas'... Read more
Heavenly Creatures (1994)
7.4/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet, Sarah Peirse, Diana Kent, Clive Merrison, Simon O...
The provocative, imaginative true-life story of how the intense and passionate relationship of 1950s Christchurch teenagers Pauline Parker and Juliet... Read more