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".
In 1949 Wes and his sidekick Cyril are conmen eking out a meagre living by scamming small-town bookies. They arrive in Tainui and go to work with the... Read more
He comes from the mighty Kingdom of Tonga. (pop 105,600- principal export: baby squash) He is trained in the ancient art of ninjitsu. He is, un-supris... Read more
"Two Little Boys" is a cheeky comedy which follows Nige (Bret McKenzie) and his best mate Deano's (Hamish Blake) riotous misadventures as they struggl... Read more
Based on the director's comedic 1999 novel, 'The Waikikimukau Conspiracy', this grass-roots mockumentary focuses on a group of South Island Maori who... Read more
Adapted by Andrew Adamson from the best-selling novel by Lloyd Jones, "Mr. Pip" is the story of how Mr. Watts (Hugh Laurie), a teacher on the war-torn... Read more
Peter Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's bestseller set in 1970s New England is the extraordinary story about one girl's life, and everything that... Read more
All seven mind-numbing episodes from the original series of 'possibly the greatest series ever broadcast on New Zealand television' are now available... Read more
Growing up in Central Otago in 1975, 12-year-old Billy is a farmer's son out of step with the other kids at his school. He's not interested in farmin... Read more
Ben has sex with anybody as long as it's not his girlfriend. Emily wants to be faithful but can't say no to her mechanic. Chio only sleeps with unavai... Read more
Funny, suspenseful and freighted with fright bombs, Housebound could easily be the most energising fun youve ever had at a New Zealand movie. Its a... Read more