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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".

Far North (2023)

6.1/10
Starring: Robyn Malcolm, Temuera Morrison

The series is based on events in New Zealand from 2016, in which the largest ever drug bust in New Zealand, worth up to $150 million if sold in 1kg lo... Read more

Five (2007)

3.4/10
Director: Amit Tripuraneni
Starring: Richard Thompson, Anita Crisnel, Marjan Gorgani, Andy Sophocleous, Amit Tripuran...

A supernatural thriller from kiwi director Amit Tripuraneni who also stars as one of five friends on their last big adventure before their lives take... Read more

Flight of the Albatross (1996)

5.5/10
Director: Werner Meyer
Starring: Julia Brendler, Taungaroa Emile, Jack Thompson, Pete Smith

Sarah comes to New Zealand from Germany to visit with her research scientist mother on a remote island, though her mother doesn't seem all that excite... Read more

Flying Fox in a Freedom Tree (1989)

7.2/10
Director: Martyn Sanderson
Starring: Faifua Amiga Jr, Richard Von Sturmer

Growing up in Western Samoa, young Pepe has many tutors. His friend Tagata teaches him street smarts. Colonial style schools offer a hidden cirriculum... Read more

Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale (1987)

7.1/10
Director: Murray Ball
Starring: Peter Rowley, John Clarke

The full-length, animated feature film of New Zealand's most popular cartoon strip based on characters created by Murray Ball. This is 'The Dog's Tale... Read more

For Good (2003)

5.4/10
Director: Stuart McKenzie
Starring: Michelle Langstone, Timothy Balme, Miranda Harcourt, Tim Gordon, Adam Gardiner,...

Would-be journalist Lisa Pearce is haunted by the abduction and murder of her childhood companion. When Lisa confronts the killer, she sparks a devast... Read more

Forgotten Silver (1996)

7.6/10
Director: Costa Botes, Peter Jackson
Starring: Peter Jackson, Sam Neill, Costa Botes, Leonard Maltin, Harvey Weinstein, Colin M...

When local Wellington filmmaker Peter Jackson discovers a cache of ancient nitrate in a neighbour's shed, he uncovers the work of Colin McKenzie, earl... Read more

Fracture (2004)

6.9/10
Director: Larry Parr
Starring: Kate Elliott, Jared Turner, John Noble, Miranda Harcourt, Liddy Holloway, Jennif...

From the novel "Crime Story" by Maurice Gee comes a revealing, emotional drama which illustrates the traits that push us apart and pull us together as... Read more

Fresh Meat (2012)

5.4/10
Director: Danny Mulheron
Starring: Temuera Morrison, Kate Elliott, Nicola Kawana, Hanna Tevita

In this Kiwi mash-up of comedy, horror and action, a prison breakout goes violently wrong for a dysfunctional gang of criminals and they need a hideou... Read more

Futile Attraction (2005)

4.6/10
Director: Mark Prebble
Starring: Peter Rutherford, Danielle Mason, Alistair Browning, Glenda Tuaine, Michelle Ang

Director/writer Mark Prebble had a rough-cut of 'Futile Attraction' in the can when the money ran out. At the suggestion of a friend he started up th... Read more