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".
Kombi Nation (2003)
5.7/10
Director: Grant Lahood
Starring: Loren Horsley, Gentiane Lupi, Genevieve McClean, Jason Whyte
Three London based Kiwis, Maggie, Sal and Liz, are off on a big adventure - a Kombi van trip around Europe. They've quit their jobs, bought a van, pac... Read more
The Locals (2003)
5.5/10
Director: Greg Page
Starring: John Barker, Dwayne Cameron, Kate Elliott, Aidee Walker
Two best friends, Grant and Paul, hit the road for a weekend of surfing. With night falling they take a short cut and meet Lisa and Kelly who invite t... Read more
Whale Rider ( Blu-ray ) (2002)
7.6/10
Director: Niki Caro
Starring: Rawiri Paratene, Cliff Curtis, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Vicky Haughton, Grant Roa,...
There is a legend that Paikea rode on the back of a whale and led his people to New Zealand. Since that time tradition has decreed that the first-born... Read more
Cupid's Prey (2002)
4.7/10
Director: Dale G Bradley
Starring: Joanna Pacula, Jack Wagner, Katrina Browne, Glen Drake
Rebecca (Katrina Browne) is supposed to be having a quiet weekend away with her boyfriend Matt (Glen Drake) and his family, only she discovers Matt's... Read more
A Flying Visit: Series 1 and 2 (2002)
Starring: Jim Hickey
Former TVNZ weatherman and pilot Jim Hickey flies his plane to some of the country's more unique and remote areas, in search of colourful characters a... Read more
Mataku: Volume 1 (2002)
8.7/10
Starring: Temuera Morrison
Take a journey into the unique and mysterious world of the supernatural with 6 short dramas (13 in all over 2 volumes), presented by actor Temuera Mor... Read more
Mataku: Volume 2 (2002)
8.7/10
Starring: Temuera Morrison
Take a journey into the unique and mysterious world of the supernatural with these 7 short dramas presented by actor Temuera Morrison. Set in New Zeal... Read more
Tongan Ninja (2002)
6.2/10
Director: Jason Stutter
Starring: Sam Manu, Jemaine Clement, Linda Tseng
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
This is Not a Love Story (2002)
5.9/10
Director: Keith Hill
Starring: Sarah Smuts-Kennedy, Stephen Lovatt, Peta Rutter, Beryl Te Wiata, Peter Elliott
A love triangle in which a romantic young woman decides she needs more life experiences - and the troubled couple across the street are just the peopl... Read more
Toy Love (2002)
6.2/10
Director: Harry Sinclair
Starring: Dean O'Gorman, Kate Elliott, Marissa Stott, Michael Lawrence
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