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".
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 Brokenwood Mysteries: Series 2 (2015)
7.7/10
Starring: Neill Rea, Fern Sutherland
Brokenwood: Population 5000 and declining - slowly - one by one or, two by two depending on the murder rate that week. In Brokenwood, an early mornin... Read more
The Catch (2016)
7.2/10
Director: Simon Mark-Brown
Starring: Ruth Wynne, Laura Hill, David Capstick, Nicol Munro, Tainui Tukiwaho
A Scotsman, a Maori and an Englishman enter a fishing contest... How far will they go to win? Two mates Kiwi Scotsman Brian and Maori man Wiremu... Read more
The Changeover (2017)
5.4/10
Director: Stuart McKenzie, Miranda Harcourt
Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Timothy Spall, Lucy Lawless, Nicholas Galitzine
Based on the Carnegie Medal winning novel by Margeret Mahy. Sixteen year-old Laura Chant lives with her mother and four-year-old brother Jacko in a po... Read more
The Convert (2023)
6.4/10
Director: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Guy Pearce, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare
A lay preacher's violent past is drawn into question and his faith tested as he becomes caught up in a bloody war between Maori tribes after arriving... Read more
The Cult: Season 1 (2009)
6.7/10
Starring: Danielle Cormack, Lisa Chappell, Scott Wills, Kate Elliott, Latham Gaines, Garet...
A group of 20-somethings are trapped within a bizarre cult. As the "mysterious" Enhancement Day approaches - some members desperately want to get out.... 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
The David Hannay Collection: Alison's Birthday / Solo (1981)
Director: Ian Coughlan, Tony Williams
Starring: Joanne Samuel, Vincent Gil, Lisa Peers
A double feature from Australian producer David Hannay. 'Alison's Birthday' (1981) - When Alison is invited back to her childhood home to celebrate h... Read more
The Day That Changed My Life (2015)
7.9/10
Director: Christopher Dudman
A powerful, uncensored and life-affirming documentary built around raw, heartfelt, never-before-seen interviews captured in the immediate aftermath of... Read more
The Dead Lands (2014)
6.3/10
Director: Toa Fraser
Starring: James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan, George Henare,...
Hongi (James Rolleston) - a Maori chieftain's teenage son - must avenge his father's murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his lov... Read more