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".
River Queen (2005)
6/10
Director: Vincent Ward
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Samantha Morton, Stephen Rea, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis,...
Set during the New Zealand land wars of the 1850s, Vincent Ward's embattled film focuses on Sarah (Samantha Morton), the daughter of an Irish settler,... Read more
Rivers - with Craig Potton (2010)
Starring: Craig Potton
Internationally renowned photographer, conservationist and publisher Craig Potton has spent 40 years photographing New Zealand's wild landscapes. In t... Read more
Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song (2013)
5.6/10
Director: Tim van Dammen
Starring: Anton Tennet, Christopher Landon, Derya Parlak, Dan Veint, Sarah Houbolt, Todd E...
Sometimes, even when you know you shouldn't, you just fall in love. Set against the backdrop of high summer in Verona Campground, two hot kids from fe... Read more
Ruby and Rata (1990)
6/10
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Vanessa Rare, Yvonne Lawley, Simon Barnett
The winning flick about Ruby, an elderly woman not yet ready for a retirement home and Rata, a would be rock singer and solo mother well practiced in... Read more
Rude Awakenings (2007)
6.9/10
Director: Garth Maxwell, Peter Burger, Geoffrey Cawthorn, Brendan Donovan, Simon Raby
Starring: Danielle Cormack, Rose McIver, Patrick Wilson, Michael Lawrence, Carl Bland, Fio...
Exploring this country's most burning obsession - buying the perfect house in the best location. This entertaining suburban satire focuses on feuding... Read more
Russian Snark (2010)
6.6/10
Director: Stephen Sinclair
Starring: Peter Rowley, Steven Papps, Elena Stejko, Stephanie Tauevihi
A bittersweet comedy about two refugee artists from Russia getting to grips with life in the South Pacific. The unworldly Misha and his vivacious wif... Read more
Savage Honeymoon (2000)
6/10
Director: Mark Beesley
Starring: Nicholas Eadie, Perry Piercy, Elizabeth Hawthorne, Sophia Hawthorne
Meet the Savages; This earthy offering tells the story of a tough West Auckland family battling to survive in a dysfunctional culture armed with the o... Read more
Savage Islands (1983)
6.3/10
Director: Ferdinand Fairfax
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Michael O'Keefe, Max Phipps, Jenny Seagrove, Grant Tilly, Peter...
AKA 'Nate and Hayes'. This US/NZ co-production stars Tommy Lee Jones as the legendary buccaneer Bully Hayes. Aided by his mercenary crew he sets out t... Read more
Saving Grace (1997)
6.9/10
Director: Costa Botes
Starring: Jim Moriarty, Kirsty Hamilton
When Grace (Kirsty Hamilton) meets Gerald (Jim Moriarty), a delicate relationship develops. He repairs her confidence, which was shattered when her mo... Read more
Scarfies (1999)
6.5/10
Director: Robert Sarkies
Starring: Willa O'Neill, Neill Rea, Ashleigh Seagar
When five Otago University students (Scarfies) start squatting in an old abandoned house they discover a locked room with a large quantity of "weed".... Read more