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".
Flying Fox in a Freedom Tree (1989)
7.2/10
Director: Martyn Sanderson
Starring: Faifua Amiga Jr, Richard Von Sturmer
Growing up in Western Samoa, young Pepe has many tutors. His friend Tagata teaches him street smarts. Colonial style schools offer a hidden cirriculum... Read more
Mauri (1989)
5.7/10
Director: Merata Mita
Starring: Anzac Wallace, Eva Rickard
'Mauri' is the story of a man, Rewi, who reclaims his spirituality. Rewi is haunted by a past which threatens to engulf his future. However, his relat... Read more
Send A Gorilla (1989)
4.7/10
Director: Melanie Read
Starring: Carmel McGlone, Katherine McRae, Perry Piercy
A grand romp about the strain of Valentines Day on a Gorilla Singing Telegram Company. Stars Carmel McGlone, Katherine McRae. Read more
Starlight Hotel (1989)
7/10
Director: Sam Pillsbury
Starring: Greer Robson, Marshall Napier, Peter Phelps
A superbly cinematographed and set in rural Otago during the 1930's. It centers on a young and determined Kate (Robson) who runs away from her aunt an... Read more
Illustrious Energy (1987)
7.9/10
Director: Leon Narbey
Starring: Heather Bolton, Peter Hayden, Shaun Bao, Peter Chin, Desmond Kelly, Harry Ip, Ge...
Two Chinese gold miners in a remote valley in Central Otago struggle to improve their lot. The goldrush is over. Their life is tough. When they make a... Read more
Ngati (1987)
7.5/10
Director: Barry Barclay
Starring: Wi Kuki Kaa, Judy McIntosh, Ross Girven
A young Australian man arrives in a small New Zealand seaside town which is the spiritual home of the local Ngati Tribe. He's to meet family friends w... Read more
Bad Taste (1987)
6.7/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Mike Minett, Pete O'Herne, Peter Jackson, Craig Smith, Terry Potter
This notorious debut feature film from Peter Jackson is packed with all the outrageous action, senseless violence and sick humour that has made it one... Read more
Dangerous Orphans (1987)
4.4/10
Director: John Laing
Starring: Peter Stevens, Michael Hurst, Jennifer Ward Lealand
Three orphans plot to avenge the death of their father, but first they must penetrate the ranks of hitmen and minders that surround their targets. Sta... 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
Pallet on the Floor (1986)
5.2/10
Director: Lynton Butter
Starring: Bruce Spence, Peter McCauley, Marshall Napier
A black comedy about Bail Beaumont-Foster, a fallen aristocrat and his life long mate, Sam Jamieson and the riotous events that follow, when the pair... Read more