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".
Utu Redux (1983)
Director: Geoff Murphy
Starring: Anzac Wallace, Bruno Lawrence, Wi Kuki Kaa, Kelly Johnson, Tim Elliott, Tania Br...
In 1870s New Zealand, Te Wheke (Anzac Wallace), a Maori scout for the colonial troops, finds his tribe massacred by the army he is working for. Anguis... 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
Velvet Dreams (1998)
5/10
Director: Sima Urale
A titillating introduction to the world of velvet painting, a genre most noted for its portraits of topless 'dusky maidens' painted on black velvet. W... Read more
Vermilion (2018)
6.2/10
Starring: Jennifer Ward Lealand, Theresa Healey, Peter Feeney
VERMILION tells the story of a group of women - mothers, daughters, friends and neighbours. Darcy (Jennifer Ward-Lealand), a composer, sees colours wh... Read more
Via Satellite (1998)
6.4/10
Director: Anthony McCarten
Starring: Danielle Cormack, Timothy Balme, Rima Te Wiata
Anthony McCarten's stageplay makes it to the screen in this production starring Danielle Cormack, Tim Balme and Rima Te Wiata centering on the euphori... Read more
Vigil / A State of Siege / In Spring One Plants Alone (1984)
Director: Vincent Ward
Starring: Penelope Stewart, Frank Whitten, Fiona Kay
Director Vincent Ward supplies a striking visual atmosphere in this rural melodrama about life on the farm through the eyes of Toss, a young girl who... Read more
Vigil / The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey / A State of Siege (1984)
Director: Vincent Ward
Starring: Bruce Lyons, Hamish McFarlane, Penelope Stewart, Frank Whitten, Bill Kerr, Fiona...
A Vincent Ward double feature. 'Vigil' (1984, 86 mins) Director Vincent Ward supplies a striking visual atmosphere in this rural melodrama about life... Read more
Wait Up Harriet (2007)
7/10
Director: Angus Benfield, Hanna Eichler
Starring: Angus Benfield, Melanie Cannon, Lynda Milligan, Nick Prince, Mitch Potts, Ashlei...
When fire-fighter Jack loses his wife Harriet, he feels abandoned and lost, turning to alcohol and isolation for comfort. His wife's 'spiritual mentor... Read more
Waru (2017)
6.3/10
Director: Katie Wolfe, Chelsea Cohen, Ainsley Gardiner, Casey Kaa, Renae Maihi, Awanui Simich-Pene, Briar Grace Smith, Paula Whetu Jones
Starring: Miriama McDowell, Jonny Brugh, Antonio Te Maioha, Kararaina Rangihau
A powerful and challenging story surrounding the funeral of a small boy Waru who dies at the hands of his caregiver and how the boys death impacts the... Read more
Waves (2006)
6.7/10
Director: Li Tao
Follows brief periods in the lives of four Chinese teenagers attending high school in New Zealand, achieving a rare level of intimacy that keeps you f... Read more