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".
Hip Hop-eration (2014)
7.2/10
Director: Bryn Evans
These senior citizens may each be almost a century young, but for Kara (94), Maynie (95) and Terri (93) the journey to Las Vegas and the World Hip Hop... Read more
The Brokenwood Mysteries: Series 1 (2014)
7.7/10
Starring: Neill Rea, Fern Sutherland
"The Brokenwood Mysteries" comprises four murder mystery stories set in a seemingly quiet country town where the town's newest resident, Detective Ins... Read more
The Dark Horse (2014)
7.5/10
Director: James Napier Robertson
Starring: Cliff Curtis, Miriama McDowell, Kirk Torrance, James Rolleston, Barry Te Hira, X...
Directed with assurance and sensitivity by James Napier Roberston, The Dark Horse stars Cliff Curtis in a performance of extraordinary tenderness and... Read more
Housebound (2014)
6.8/10
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Starring: Rima Te Wiata, Ryan Lampp, Mick Innes, Morgana O'Reilly, Glen-Paul Waru, Ross Ha...
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
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
7.6/10
Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Starring: Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh, Taika Waititi, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Stu Ruther...
Flatmates Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonny Brugh), and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) are three vampires who are just trying to get by in modern soci... Read more
Topp Twins: Topp Country (2014)
7.4/10
Starring: Jools Topp, Lynda Topp
Twin sisters and celebrated Kiwi comedians/original singer-songwriters, Lynda and Jools Topp (the Topp Twins) take us on a culinary journey around New... Read more
Nigel Latta (2014)
Starring: Nigel Latta
"Nigel Latta" is a hard-hitting 6 part documentary series about tough issues facing all New Zealanders. Problems with Child Abuse, Poverty & Growing I... Read more
Hope and Wire (2014)
6.4/10
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Bernard Hill, Joel Tobeck, Stephen Lovatt, Miriama McDowell, Rachel House, Chels...
"Hope and Wire", a television drama inspired by true events, first-hand accounts and employing actual newsreel footage, is set in the aftermath of the... Read more
Pirates of the Airwaves (2014)
Director: Charlie Haskell
In 1966, rock 'n' roll had taken over, the sexual revolution was in full swing, and New Zealand was forging its identity as a nation away from its col... Read more
Antarctica: A Year On Ice (2013)
7.6/10
Director: Anthony Powell
Filmed over 10 years, Frozen Planet photographer Anthony Powell presents a visually stunning and deeply personal chronicle of what it is like to live... Read more