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".
Sione's 2: Unfinished Business (2011)
5.9/10
Director: Simon Bennett
Starring: Robbie Magasiva, Oscar Kightley, Teuila Blakely, Shimpal Lelisi, Iaheto Ah Hi, M...
Since Sione's wedding five years ago, things haven't gone quite as the boys might have planned. Growing up appears to be driving the Duckrockers apart... Read more
Sione's Wedding (2006)
Director: Chris Graham
Starring: Oscar Kightley, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva, David Fane, Pua Magasiva, Teuil...
The boys from Bro' Town are all grown up...kind of. They're pushing thirty and Sione is getting married. To ensure his debauched friends don't embar... Read more
Sir Edmund Hillary: 1919-2008 (2008)
5.9/10
Starring: Edmund Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary, one of New Zealand's most beloved and internationally recognised heroes is profiled in the documentary 'Remembering Sir Ed'. Born... Read more
Sleeping Dogs (1977)
6.6/10
Director: Roger Donaldson
Starring: Ian Mune, Nevan Rowe, Sam Neill, Warren Oates
An ambitious political thriller starring Sam Neill and Warren Oates, set in an unnamed country undergoing police state repression and armed resistance... Read more
Sleeping Dogs / Smash Palace (1977)
Director: Roger Donaldson
Starring: Anna Jemison, Bruno Lawrence, Greer Robson, Ian Mune, Keith Aberdein, Nevan Rowe...
Roger Donaldson's first two feature films in a special collection. "Sleeping Dogs" (1977, 105 mins.) - As the cities of New Zealand are torn apart by... Read more
Slow West (2015)
6.9/10
Director: John Maclean
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassbender, Ben Mendelsohn, Madeleine Sami, Brooke Wil...
Set at the end of the 19th Century, 'Slow West' is an American western filtered through the eyes of European filmmaking. The story centres on 16-year-... Read more
Slow West (Blu-ray) (2015)
6.9/10
Director: John Maclean
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassbender, Ben Mendelsohn, Madeleine Sami, Brooke Wil...
Set at the end of the 19th Century, 'Slow West' is an American western filtered through the eyes of European filmmaking. The story centres on 16-year-... Read more
Slow West (Blu-ray) (2015)
6.9/10
Director: John Maclean
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassbender, Ben Mendelsohn, Madeleine Sami, Brooke Wil...
Set at the end of the 19th Century, 'Slow West' is an American western filtered through the eyes of European filmmaking. The story centres on 16-year-... Read more
Smash Palace (1981)
7.2/10
Director: Roger Donaldson
Starring: Bruno Lawrence, Anna Jemison, Greer Robson, Keith Aberdein
Bruno Lawrence delivers an unforgettable performance as Al Shaw, a former pro racer who now operates an auto salvage yard in hicksville. When his wif... Read more
Snakeskin (2001)
5.6/10
Director: Gillian Ashurst
Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Boyd Kestner, Dean O'Gorman, Oliver Driver
A mysterious American hitchhiker latches on to a couple for a ride and the trouble keeps coming in director Gillian Ashurst's feature debut. Complete... Read more