NZ Short Films
The roots of the short film genre lie deep in cinematic history itself. The earliest examples of motion pictures were short films. The first shows of the brothers Lumiere were merely a few minutes long. It took several years until the multi-reel film and later the full-length film took over.
Now days short films are usually shown on dedicated short-film festivals rather than prior to features. They are popular as first steps into the cinematic art among young filmmakers. As well, short film making is growing in popularity among users outside the traditional short film scene who are taking advantage of broadband Internet connections and affordable equipment such as "prosumer" or semi-professional cameras.
Below are some of the short films of Kiwi film makers who have managed to get some exposure for their work. An Internatiomnal Short Film Festival may be accessed via the "Special Interest" feature.
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
48 Hours 2005 (2005)
Officially New Zealand's largest filmmaking event with over 6000 movie maniacs attempting to make 270 short films in just 48 hours or die trying. From... 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
Grass Roots (2004)
8.6/10
Deep within the "Grass Roots" of New Zealand film culture can be found a rare breed: the Kiwi short film. Here a celebration of emergent Kiwi film-mak... Read more
48 Hours 2006 (2006)
Director: Various
Officially New Zealand's most successful short film competition. Thousands of kiwis work together and compete to be crowned the Grand National Winner... Read more
Loop Select 005 (2003)
Director: Robert Sarkies, Robin Walters, Taika Waititi, Patrick Gillies, Michael Duignan, James Cunningham, Chris Graham, Mike Bridgman, Aaron Beck, Mikee Tucker, Jack Tucker, Ned Wenlock, James Barr, Peter Kostandelos, Edward Davis
This exciting compilation of New Zealand's creative culture, brings a wealth of local talent together to celebrate the amazing artistic endeavours tha... Read more
New Zealand Road Memories: 1920s - 1960s (2006)
This wonderful documentary utilizing rare archive footage, looks at cars, buses and trucks that have been used in New Zealand from the 1920s through t... Read more
Short Reels: Ten New Zealand Short Films (2005)
Director: Ellory Elkayem, Damon Fepulea'i, Robin Walters, Reina Webster, Barry Prescott, David Robertson, Annalise Patterson, Sally Rodwell, David Rittey, Taika Waititi
This exciting collection comprises work from some of New Zealand's leading film makers. Each short film reflects a distinctive take on New Zealand cul... Read more
48 Hours 2007 (2007)
Director: Various
The motto is WRITE. SHOOT. CUT. SURVIVE. and in 2007 more than 10,000 committed people, in more than 400 teams, competed around New Zealand to be crow... Read more
Births, Deaths and Marriages (2019)
Director: Beatrice Joblin
Starring: Geraldine Brophy
One family. One weekend. One hell of a home video. Births, Deaths and Marriages is a slice of life kiwi comedy about life, death and everything in bet... Read more