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".
Bonjour Timothy (1995)
6.1/10
Director: Wayne Tourell
Starring: Sabine Karsenti, Sylvia Rands, Dean O'Gorman, Sydney Jackson, Angela Bloomfield
A college student, Timothy (Dean O'Gorman), and his family are awaiting the arrival of Michele, a French-Canadian male exchange student. Turns out, Mi... Read more
Waves (2006)
6.7/10
Director: Li Tao
Follows brief periods in the lives of four Chinese teenagers attending high school in New Zealand, achieving a rare level of intimacy that keeps you f... Read more
Velvet Dreams (1998)
5/10
Director: Sima Urale
A titillating introduction to the world of velvet painting, a genre most noted for its portraits of topless 'dusky maidens' painted on black velvet. W... Read more
Wild South: Volume 7 (2009)
7.8/10
Contains three episodes: 'Invaders in Paradise' - A thousand years ago the first invaders into our delicate eco-system arrived, and now the conservati... Read more
Jack Brown Genius (1994)
5.3/10
Director: Tony Hiles
Starring: Lisa Chappell, Marton Csokas, Stuart Devenie, Timothy Balme, Nicola Murphy
In this wonderful fantasy, the spirit of an inventive monk, Elmer, who died 1,000 years ago while trying out his newest invention, a pair of wings, en... Read more
Pirates of the Airwaves (2014)
Director: Charlie Haskell
In 1966, rock 'n' roll had taken over, the sexual revolution was in full swing, and New Zealand was forging its identity as a nation away from its col... Read more
Kiwi Gold: Volume 3 (2010)
Starring: Billy T James, David McPhail, Jon Gadsby, Peter Rowley
A nostalgic selection of your favourite Kiwi TV shows from the 70s, 80s and 90s. 'Kiwi Gold' re-introduces you to the golden years of Kiwi comedy with... Read more
Saving Grace (1997)
6.9/10
Director: Costa Botes
Starring: Jim Moriarty, Kirsty Hamilton
When Grace (Kirsty Hamilton) meets Gerald (Jim Moriarty), a delicate relationship develops. He repairs her confidence, which was shattered when her mo... Read more
Rude Awakenings (2007)
6.9/10
Director: Garth Maxwell, Peter Burger, Geoffrey Cawthorn, Brendan Donovan, Simon Raby
Starring: Danielle Cormack, Rose McIver, Patrick Wilson, Michael Lawrence, Carl Bland, Fio...
Exploring this country's most burning obsession - buying the perfect house in the best location. This entertaining suburban satire focuses on feuding... Read more
Wait Up Harriet (2007)
7/10
Director: Angus Benfield, Hanna Eichler
Starring: Angus Benfield, Melanie Cannon, Lynda Milligan, Nick Prince, Mitch Potts, Ashlei...
When fire-fighter Jack loses his wife Harriet, he feels abandoned and lost, turning to alcohol and isolation for comfort. His wife's 'spiritual mentor... Read more