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".
Two Little Boys (Blu-ray) (2012)
7.6/10
Director: Robert Sarkies
Starring: Bret McKenzie, Hamish Blake, Maaka Pohatu, Filip Berg
"Two Little Boys" is a cheeky comedy which follows Nige (Bret McKenzie) and his best mate Deano's (Hamish Blake) riotous misadventures as they struggl... Read more
Tyrannical Love (2005)
6.2/10
Director: Scott Boswell
Starring: Stephen Jorgensen, Domini Calder, Caroline Mitchell, Seth Flynn, Lex Calder, Cra...
Scott Boswell's debut film was shot in and around Howick over 15 weekends in 2004, with most people working for free. The film screened at the 37th A... Read more
Under the Mountain (1982)
4.9/10
Director: Chris Bailey
Starring: Kirsty Wilkinson, Lance Warren, Roy Leywood
Adapted from Maurice Gee's beloved novel, this classic family series sees a New Zealand where giant slugs are waking below Auckland's volcanoes to thr... Read more
Under the Mountain (2009)
4.9/10
Director: Jonathan King
Starring: Sam Neill, Oliver Driver, Sophie McBride, Tom Cameron, Leon Wadham
Based on Maurice Gee's best-selling novel, "Under the Mountain" is an exciting and suspenseful fantasy adventure set amid Auckland's breathtaking natu... Read more
Until Proven Innocent (2009)
6.2/10
Director: Peter Burger
Starring: Cohen Holloway, Jodie Rimmer, Peter Elliott, Tim Spite, Miranda Harcourt, Martyn...
The true story of David Dougherty and the three strangers who fought to get him a pardon for a crime he didn't commit. In 1992 David Dougherty was fou... Read more
User Friendly (1990)
5.2/10
Director: Gregor Nicholas
Starring: Alison Bruce, David Letch, Judith Gibson, William Brandt
If a carved wooden dog with teeth like a shark followed you home...what would you do?! Augusta thinks the statue might be just what she needs, but ex-... Read more
Utu (1983)
7.1/10
Director: Geoff Murphy
Starring: Anzac Wallace, Bruno Lawrence, Tim Elliott
Visually beautiful film set in 1870's New Zealand. After the family and village of a Maori tribesman is wiped out in a senseless raid, the tribesman,... Read more
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