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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".

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

What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

7.6/10
Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Starring: Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh, Taika Waititi, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Stu Ruther...

Flatmates Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonny Brugh), and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) are three vampires who are just trying to get by in modern soci... Read more

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

7.8/10
Director: Roger Donaldson
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Diane Ladd, Paul Rodriguez, Annie Whittle, Aaron Murphy, Walton...

In 1967, at the age of 68, Invercargill-born Burt Munro broke the land speed record on the salt flats of Utah, fulfilling a life-long dream and settin... Read more

Out of the Blue (2006)

7.2/10
Director: Robert Sarkies
Starring: Karl Urban, Matthew Sunderland, Lois Lawn, Simon Ferry, Tandi Wright, Paul Glove...

The devastating true story of the 1990 Aramoana massacre is told with great care by director Robert Sarkies, based on the book 'Aramoana: 22 Hours of... Read more

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Extended Edition (2003)

6.2/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Andy Serk...

The Fellowship's journey is coming to an end. Sauron's forces have attacked Gondor's capital of Minas Tirith in his final siege against mankind. Watch... Read more

Perfect Strangers (2003)

5.2/10
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Sam Neill, Rachael Blake, Joel Tobeck

When Melanie (Rachael Blake) goes home from the pub with a handsome stranger (Sam Neill), she's captivated by his charm and attentiveness. He sails he... Read more

The Price of Milk (2000)

6.8/10
Director: Harry Sinclair
Starring: Danielle Cormack, Karl Urban, Willa O'Neill, Michael Lawrence, Rangi Motu

On a dairy farm in a beautiful green valley there lived two lovers. Lucinda (Danielle Cormack), Rob (Karl Urban) and their 117 cows lead a charmed exi... Read more

Waru (2017)

6.3/10
Director: Katie Wolfe, Chelsea Cohen, Ainsley Gardiner, Casey Kaa, Renae Maihi, Awanui Simich-Pene, Briar Grace Smith, Paula Whetu Jones
Starring: Miriama McDowell, Jonny Brugh, Antonio Te Maioha, Kararaina Rangihau

A powerful and challenging story surrounding the funeral of a small boy Waru who dies at the hands of his caregiver and how the boys death impacts the... Read more

Kombi Nation (2003)

5.7/10
Director: Grant Lahood
Starring: Loren Horsley, Gentiane Lupi, Genevieve McClean, Jason Whyte

Three London based Kiwis, Maggie, Sal and Liz, are off on a big adventure - a Kombi van trip around Europe. They've quit their jobs, bought a van, pac... Read more

Smash Palace (1981)

7.2/10
Director: Roger Donaldson
Starring: Bruno Lawrence, Anna Jemison, Greer Robson, Keith Aberdein

Bruno Lawrence delivers an unforgettable performance as Al Shaw, a former pro racer who now operates an auto salvage yard in hicksville. When his wif... Read more