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 David Hannay Collection: Alison's Birthday / Solo (1981)
Director: Ian Coughlan, Tony Williams
Starring: Joanne Samuel, Vincent Gil, Lisa Peers
A double feature from Australian producer David Hannay. 'Alison's Birthday' (1981) - When Alison is invited back to her childhood home to celebrate h... Read more
Being Billy Apple (2007)
Director: Leanne Pooley
Billy Apple: enigma, con man, or artist? Being Billy Apple looks at one of New Zealand's most controversial contemporary artists: a man who changed hi... Read more
Show Me Shorts Film Festival: Volume 1 (2010)
7.7/10
Director: Various, James Cunningham, Sima Urale
'Show Me Shorts' is an annual national film festival bringing the best Kiwi and Australian short films to New Zealand cinemas. This DVD contains a sel... Read more
This Is New Zealand (1970)
Director: Hugh Macdonald
Directed by Hugh Macdonald, "This Is New Zealand" was made to promote the country at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan. An ambitious concept saw iconic NZ imag... Read more
Leigh Hart's Mysterious Planet (2010)
Starring: Leigh Hart
Explorer, adventurer and self-proclaimed expert Leigh Hart is on a quest to seek the truth behind the world's greatest mysteries. Armed only with his... Read more
Crush (1992)
5.9/10
Director: Alison Maclean
Starring: Marcia Gay Harden, William Zappa, Donogh Rees, Caitlin Bossley
A psychological thriller about a befriended American woman's impact on the life of a 15 year old girl leading to shattering consequences. Stars Marcia... 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
Ruby and Rata (1990)
6/10
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Vanessa Rare, Yvonne Lawley, Simon Barnett
The winning flick about Ruby, an elderly woman not yet ready for a retirement home and Rata, a would be rock singer and solo mother well practiced in... Read more
Memories of Tomorrow (2005)
5.8/10
Director: Amit Tripuraneni
Starring: Richard Thompson, Rachel Gilchrist, Ray Trickitt
The slick look of this debut outing from film student Amit Tripuraneni belies its wing and a prayer NZ$15,000 budget. Cast and crew donated their tim... Read more
Belief (2005)
4.8/10
Director: Phil Davison
Starring: Sara Georgie, Marguerite Juanico-Nielson, Anita Cumming, Amadeus Rainbow
From the director/writer of 'Kung Fu Vampire Killers' comes this black comedy horror that finds three friends on holiday in Central Otago who pick up... Read more