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".
The Justice of Bunny King (2021)
7/10
Director: Gaysorn Thavat
Starring: Essie Davis, Thomasin McKenzie
A triumph over adversity tale about women fighting their way back from the bottom of society. Read more
The Killian Curse (2005)
7.8/10
This tongue-in-cheek horror series, with creatures created by the WETA workshop, tells the 21 stories of 21 students from Room 21, each of whom must f... Read more
The Last Hurrah: From Beijing to Arnhem 2005 (2005)
7.4/10
Starring: Dick Huurdeman, Des Molloy
Kiwis Des Molloy and Dick Huurdeman look like the sort of guys who should be sedately steering a sleigh in a Santa parade, not riding old single-bange... Read more
The Last Magic Show (2007)
6/10
Director: Andy Conlan
Starring: Jade Collins, Andy Conlan, Georgie Hill, Michael Hurst, Alexander Anderson, Matt...
The only thing darker than escape artist Ronny Roman's past is the 'mystical power' he believes he possesses. Never having recovered from the shock of... Read more
The Last Ocean (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Peter Young
The Ross Sea, Antarctica is the most pristine marine ecosystem on Earth. Scientists describe it as a 'living laboratory', a place that can teach us ab... Read more
The Living Room: Series 3 (2006)
5.6/10
Director: Simon Baumfield, Mark Albiston, Nathan Morris, James Anderson, Makerita Urale
Starring: Steve Abel, Tusiata Avia, Rod Bridgeman, Ed Davis, Caitlin Devoy, Grenell Family...
From Sticky Pictures comes the award-winning third season of the show that showcases Aotearoa's creative culture. With inspirational and creative 'ho... Read more
The Locals (2003)
5.5/10
Director: Greg Page
Starring: John Barker, Dwayne Cameron, Kate Elliott, Aidee Walker
Two best friends, Grant and Paul, hit the road for a weekend of surfing. With night falling they take a short cut and meet Lisa and Kelly who invite t... Read more
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
8.8/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian Holm, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett,...
In the first installment of director Peter Jackson's ambitious and successful film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, Elijah Wood stars a... Read more
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring ( Blu-ray ) (2001)
8.8/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKell...
In the first installment of director Peter Jackson's ambitious and successful film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, Elijah Wood stars a... Read more
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition (2001)
6.2/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Viggo Mortensen, Sean...
This Special Extended Edition is a unique version of the film. With no constraints on the running time, director Peter Jackson added more character de... Read more