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 Convert (2023)
6.4/10
Director: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Guy Pearce, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare
A lay preacher's violent past is drawn into question and his faith tested as he becomes caught up in a bloody war between Maori tribes after arriving... Read more
River Of Freedom (Blu-ray) (2023)
6.6/10
When the New Zealand Government enforce mandatory vaccination on the workforce, many rebel. They convoy to Parliament in protest but are ignored by po... Read more
River Of Freedom (2023)
6.6/10
When the New Zealand Government enforce mandatory vaccination on the workforce, many rebel. They convoy to Parliament in protest but are ignored by po... Read more
Far North (2023)
6.1/10
Starring: Robyn Malcolm, Temuera Morrison
The series is based on events in New Zealand from 2016, in which the largest ever drug bust in New Zealand, worth up to $150 million if sold in 1kg lo... Read more
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