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 Amazing Extraordinary Friends: Series 1 (2007)
Starring: Carl Dixon, Patrick Morrison, David McPhail, Hannah Marshall, Stuart Devenie, Ty...
When ordinary kiwi teen, Ben Wilson, finds a mysterious metal insignia on a school outing, he is miraculously transformed into Captain Extraordinary (... Read more
Staines Down the Drains: The Best of (2007)
Beneath us all lies the weird and wonderful world of Drainland, inhabited by odd and sometimes dangerous critters, but few people know it exists. Sta... Read more
Hunger for the Wild: Series 2 (2007)
Director: Peter Young
Starring: Steve Logan, Alister Brown
Steve Logan and Al Brown are back on the road with series two of their award-winning adventure-cooking show, heading for the wild with the help of som... Read more
The Pretender: Series 1, Episodes 1-5 (2005)
7.5/10
Director: Michael Bennett, Patrick Gillies
'The Pretender' is a smart, satirical and biting examination of our nation's leaders; the people behind them; and the jealousy, megalomania, fear, con... Read more
New Zealand Disasters: Tangiwai and Wahine (2009)
Contains two programmes: 'The Truth About the Tangiwai Disaster' and 'Wahine - the Untold Story'. In NZ, the main trunk railway line and two state hig... Read more
Hook, Line & Sinker (2011)
5.8/10
Director: Andrea Bossshard, Shane Loader
Starring: Carmel McGlone, Geraldine Brophy, Rangimoana Taylor
PJ (Rangimoana Taylor) has been driving trucks for 35 years. But one day after a medical test, he is told to get off the road. PJs worries over becom... Read more
In the Zone (2018)
7.7/10
Director: Robyn Paterson
In an effort to combat cycles of inequality, a visiting African-American businessman establishes a home for minority teens in New Zealand's most sough... Read more
Terror Peak (2003)
4.6/10
Director: Dale G Bradley
Starring: Lynda Carter, Parker Stevenson, Emily Barclay, Antony Starr
Ever wanted to see TV's Wonder Woman battle a New Zealand volcano? Well, this film is as close as you'll get! The legendary Lynda Carter stars as an A... Read more
Mr Wrong (1985)
3.8/10
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Heather Bolton, David Letch, Gary Stalker
Aka "Dark of the Night". What would you do if the car you had just bought made noises like somebody's dying breaths. This made in New Zealand psycho... Read more
Sons for the Return Home (1978)
4.7/10
Director: Paul Maunder
Starring: Fiona Lindsay, Uelese Petaia, Moira Walker
From the book by Albert Wendt comes this moving portrayal of love across the racial divide. Sione (Uelese Petaia) from a traditional Samoan family and... Read more