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".
Gloriavale (2022)
7.7/10
When widespread abuse is uncovered at a New Zealand cult, a family must turn to the legal system in an effort to save themselves and their community f... Read more
Nude Tuesday (2022)
5.7/10
Director: Armagan Ballantyne
Starring: Jackie van Beek, Damon Herriman, Jemaine Clement, Chelsie Preston Crayford, Byro...
A suburban couple goes to a new-age retreat as a last ditch attempt to save their marriage. Their path to reconnection is riddled with hilarity and hu... Read more
The Justice of Bunny King (2021)
7/10
Director: Gaysorn Thavat
Starring: Essie Davis, Thomasin McKenzie
A triumph over adversity tale about women fighting their way back from the bottom of society. Read more
Lowdown Dirty Criminals (2020)
4.2/10
Director: Paul Murphy
Starring: Rebecca Gibney, Cohen Holloway, Robbie Magasiva, Grant Roa, James Rolleston, Tho...
Follows two naïve young men who are in search of a better life, encountering unsavoury situations and people along the way. Read more
This Town (2020)
5.4/10
Director: David White
Starring: Robyn Malcolm, Rima Te Wiata, David White
A comedy about love, murder and finding the one. Starring David White, Alice May Connolly, Robyn Malcolm and Rima Te Wiata. Coming soon to cinemas. Read more
Wellington Paranormal: Season 3 (2020)
7.6/10
Starring: Maaka Pohatu, Mike Minogue, Karen O'Leary
Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's What We Do In The Shadows spinoff, Wellington Paranormal, sees Officers Minogue, O'Leary and Sergeant Maaka back i... Read more
Blue Moon (2019)
6.6/10
Director: Stefen Harris
Starring: Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow
This twisty real-time thriller from Stefen Harris (The Waimate Conspiracy, NZIFF06) was nimbly staged and shot on an iPhone entirely within and around... Read more
Vai (2019)
5.8/10
Director: Becs Arahanga, Amberley Jo Aumua, Matasila Freshwater, Dianna Fuemana, Miria George, Ofa Guttenbeil, Marina Alofagia McCartney, Nicole Whippy, Sharon Whippy
A portmanteau feature film by 9 female Pacific filmmakers and filmed on seven Pacific islands. It is about the journey of empowerment through culture... Read more
Daffodils (2019)
7.5/10
Director: David Stubbs
Starring: Rose McIver, George Mason
A bittersweet love story told through enchanting re-imaginings of popular and iconic New Zealand songs. Read more
The Bad Seed (2019)
7.5/10
Starring: Matt Minto, Dean O'Gorman, Jodie Hillock, Xavier Horan, Chelsie Preston Crayford...
The Bad Seed tells the story of two brothers from a dysfunctional family who have raised themselves up from the desperate days of their early childhoo... Read more