2296 Matches Found
Actor Wi Kuki Kaa plays Tiare, a Vietnam War veteran who is dislocated by his experiences of war, and homelessness. He wanders the city streets, collecting ephemera in plastic bags. Nancy Brunning plays his daughter, who, with her own daughter, visits their reluctant koro to convince him to visit his ancestral home. The result is a moving story about a man jolted to find his turangawaewae, and the whanau that helps him get there. (NZ On Screen)
Documentary by John Clarke about his greatest creation - Fred Dagg.
Sir David Attenborough narrates a documentary about the Kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Playful and destructive, it attacks cars, starts landslides and terrorises New Zealand ski resorts but behind the bad behaviour there's a sharp mind at work. David tries to play chess with a kea and discovers how its cheeky character is the key to its survival.
A documentary exploring the battle over public education in New Zealand from the 1980s through the 1990s
A husband's life-threatening alcoholism leads to unsettling discoveries of time travel after his wife leaves him.
Huia dreams to be a principle ballerina for the country's top academy. During her audition, an unexpected visitor shows up during her final bid to impress. Only this time, her ancestors are the audience.
A short directed by Brian Challis.
On the 50th anniversary of the Māori language petition, this documentary unpacks the history of te reo Māori in Aotearoa, from its dominance to its gradual decline and the modern day revitalisation efforts.
With unique access to high-ranking candidate Helen Clark, filmmaker Gaylene Preston casts a wry eye on proceedings as the United Nations chooses a new Secretary General.
Two balloons fight restlessly to break free.
A parachuting accident on a remote volcanic plateau forces a young solider to confront the torments of his past.
140 Days Under the World is a 1964 New Zealand short documentary film about Antarctica. It depicts one summer's work by New Zealand scientists in the Ross Dependency in the Antarctic and the exploration of some of the last unmapped regions. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short.
While playing at the beach with their grandmother, two children witness an Elvis-like man walk out of the sea. They believe he's the "fishman" lover of a female taniwha, Hine Tai. Meanwhile their parents (played by Kirk Torrance and Nancy Brunning) are busy falling apart, and the mysterious man offers words that are either wise or dangerous. Set in a small seaside town, this magical realist fable was written by Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins) and directed by Peter Burger (What Really Happened - Waitangi). It got six nominations at the 2002 NZ TV Awards, and won for Best Drama, and for James Cowley's cinematography.
William McInnes (Look Both Ways, Sea Change) is the can-do barbecue dad of the title in Brendan Donovan’s affectionate comedy-drama. He plays a Howick cleaning contractor, whose hopes and dreams include success in local body politics. But his real passion is kart-racing and he’s grooming his teenage sons, 17-year-old Marc and 14-year-old Ed (real-life brothers Josh and William McKenzie), as future motorsport heroes. He’s borrowed so much money to make it all happen that it stretches the love of his wife Gail (Robyn Malcolm of Outrageous Fortune fame) to breaking point. When the boys collide on the track, Gazza’s world is turned upside down, causing a crisis that tears at them all — forcing him to fight to keep his dreams afloat, and his family together.
What happens when you suspect that your partner likes the house guest more than she likes you? A droll drama of unstated intentions in black, white and grey.
In the mountains of South Island of New Zealand, lives a parrot smarter than any other. Surviving in one of the toughest environments of the Southern Alps, the Kea is a hustler. Through millions of years of evolution, they have developed unique skills to survive in this unforgiving environment. This film tries to explore Kea's intellect through the research of Amalia Bastos & Lydia McLean.
A woman returning from an overseas volunteer posting takes the ferry home to her mother. A bittersweet tale on love, family and global warming.
Change is afoot in New Zealand as creative forces take on the ultimate Kiwi icon. But all is not well in paradise, and the nation is divided. Whilst supporters applaud the innovation others see it as a threat to their national identity.
In an Auckland Chinese diner, cynical Elle regrets swiping right on old-fashioned Winson. His kung-fu hero profile feels like a catfish, and he's annoyed she arrived late. Just as they're ready to leave, a mountain of food arrives—Winson's classic Chinese over-ordering. Guilt and hunger keep Elle at the table. Tensions rise as she mocks traditional dating, and he accuses her of being "not Chinese enough." Their clash turns physical—tea is served, chopsticks fly, kung-fu ignites.
Horse breeder Scott Engstrom has been trying for years to prove that the Appaloosa, a rare American horse breed, came from Asia and not Spain. With only 109 true Appaloosas left in the world the question is vital. After spotting a horse uncannily like an Appaloosa on a TV show filmed in Kyrgyzstan, the fiery 69-year-old heads for central Asia.
Thrust into the Formula One spotlight during a chaotic Dutch GP, driver Liam Lawson fights to prove himself while simultaneously contending for the Super Formula Japan titles.
An unexpected visitor, a game with a gun and some very bad news.
Set in a modern day, New Zealand model store, The Knight Train shows the relationships that can exist between people of different generations with the right catalyst.
Celebrating Pasifika rugby players and their communities. A story about small islands, big dreams and the sacrifices made by many to produce some of the world’s greatest players.
Presented by former Samoa rugby player Dan Leo, who sacrificed his own career to confront corruption in his national union, Oceans Apart looks at the bond between the Pacific and modern Rugby and reveals the darker side of the sport.
Quentin is a destitute filmmaker who resorts to making home-made pornos to achieve his celluloid dreams. Nigel is a sweet and sensitive hairdresser, reluctantly lured by his hit-woman Mother to join her on one last lucrative job. Can Quentin convince his recently unemployed girlfriend, Debbie, to co-star in his upcoming pornographic masterpiece with his best buddy, Clarke? Can Nigel complete the job with his sanity intact or will he finally snap - becoming the psychopath his Mother always dreamed he'd be?
The daughter of man who owns a South Seas pearl business falls in love with a wealthy traveler. Her father dies, leaving her the business. A greedy ship captain schemes to take the business from her.
A comedic short film starring NZ comic Paul Williams as Marlon Brando
A fledgling young actor has finally secured a part in a promising production, but disagreements between the director and producer threaten to derail the project—and his career.
This short film takes place one frantic night as a beautiful young sex worker waits for her salesman lover to whisk her away from her last night on the strip to live happily ever after. But it’s 1975 and she’s a Māori drag queen. And he’s not the ‘white knight’ he said he was.
Mythology goes to church in New Zealand Opera's unique, site-specific staging of Handel's baroque masterpiece. This sensual story explores a love triangle between Jupiter, King of the Gods, his wife, the goddess Juno, and his lover, the mortal but overly ambitious princess Semele. This engrossing film of an in-the-round live performance showcases Handel's exquisitely lyrical music and presents a powerful story of ambition that is as relevant today as it was when written nearly three centuries ago.
With the resurgence of taonga pūoro, one musical instrument remains conspicuously absent from Māori music —pahū (drum). In this documentary Te Pahū, composer Hirini Melbourne (ONZM) and ethnologist Te Warena Taua trace the history of pahū, from musical accompaniment to being the manawa (heart) of communication and communities. Musicians and carvers bring to life the lost beat of pahū by creating a version using modern techniques. Pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita (Patu!) directed Te Pahū, while Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) co-wrote and produced it.
A high action war film with a twist. Shoot outs, stand-offs and heroics aplenty -- the difference being it's young kids not adult soldiers taking part.
Misha (Stephen Papps), a once celebrated filmmaker who has fallen on hard times, resolves to leave his homeland in search of a film-friendly country where he can pursue his career. With his wife Nadia (Elena Stejko) in tow he sets sail from Russia in a tiny lifeboat, drifting cross the Pacific to finally arrive in New Zealand. Before long Misha realises that New Zealand is no more receptive to his ideas and aesthetic than Russia. Yet he perseveres with his experimental film, ignoring his wife’s pleas to find work. Misha increasingly withdraws into himself, and his relationship with Nadia collapses. Alone, his obsessions take hold and he steadily descends into madness. Only a chance encounter with a young Polynesian woman saves him from the ultimate act of self-destruction. His friendship with Roseanna (Stephanie Tauevihi) inspires a re-awakening, as he begins to reconnect with the world around him.
A comedy about a Chinese immigrant family and the impossible expectations they have for their 8-year-old daughter.
A hunter in New Zealand has created a fantasy world of mounted animal trophies. He returns home to add his latest catch and make some music and finds himself in a new challenge.
Three friends venture into an abandoned hot dog factory in the dead of night, not realising that their wurst nightmare is waiting for them.
"The universe can teach if you are willing to learn. Desperation and lack of any contingency creates delusion and false hope. Sacrifice deserves certainty – words like hope and potential are fairytales."
A young hiker, in New Zealand, tries to claim the last blank space on the map for his own.
Conversations with four people — an artist, a woman struggling with her identity as a high achiever, an actor, and a priest — exploring their inner worlds, their self-image and how they feel they fit into society.
Two high profile men, a former All Black and Hollywood actor, reveal their unforgettable account of bullying with unprecedented honesty. Making Good Men is not a story of blame or humiliation. It is a path to redemption, to reconciliation and ultimately to restoration.
A short documentary tracking the transportation of New Zealand products into ports in the Philippines, China, Japan, and Hong Kong, with a focus on cultural differences and economic opportunities.
A mysterious killer leaves a black octopus behind after each murder.
For the first time, supported by scientific evidence, and indisputable footage, this film exposes the truth about a practice that breaches human rights, animal rights, and unveils a deception that will leave viewers in shock! New Zealand claims to be clean, green, and 100% pure. But can a country that drops from helicopters, an attractive food mixed with 90% of the world's annual supply of the deadly pesticide 1080 - enough poison, every year, to kill its human population 5 times over - qualify for such an esteemed self evaluation? Can a country that relies on farming exports and tourism, afford to be so cavalier with one of the worlds most deadly poisons? Poisoning Paradise lifts the lid on this bureaucratic practice, exposing an atrocity that will leave you in disbelief.....
Deep within a dark, twisted forest, at a faraway adventure camp, a group of young 'camp leaders' play a fast and furious game of 'hide and seek'. The atmosphere is strange and thick with tension - there is a feeling in the air that all is not well. Alliances are formed; relationships are tested, and in some cases disintegrate to the point of violence. All the while they are being watched by someone... or something. In a spectacular climax, the mystery begins to unravel as everything becomes suddenly and painfully clear. The shocking, violent truth is far worse than could ever have been imagined...
A blue-collar worker falls into a magical world and finds himself embroiled in a battle with a violent butterfly.
Marty and Gina live in a run-down part of town. Their dealer is called Bernie. Bernie is an a--hole. One thing leads to another. Bernie winds up dead and Gina has the last word. Even doing the ironing can have catastrophic consequences.
Sign of the Times is the first feature length documentary about New Zealand's Deaf community, their language and culture. It is an inspiring, emotional, and very moving story told straight from the very heart of the Deaf community. I n April 2006 New Zealand Parliament declared New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) to be an official language - the culmination of a 20-year battle by the deaf community, and a true hallmark in the recognition of their native language. Sign of the Times is about the Deaf New Zealanders who fought to have their language recognised as a real language and as a viable means of communication The film documents the community's celebration of the official recognition of their language and looks at the community's ongoing hopes and aspirations for their language and culture. This is your invitation to take a journey into the Deaf world.
An end of days comedy animation about an amorous cricket and a starving hedgehog who wants to eat the last cricket left in the world.
The church of Tonga demands donations, especially from those who have left the country. This personal documentary follows the family of Saia Mafile’o who, decades after moving to New Zealand, still dedicates his life and money entirely to his homeland.
Cameron Duncan wrote, directed and starred in this short film, the same year a lump in his knee turned out to be cancerous. Aged only 16, Duncan had already showcased his filmmaking talents on a series of award-winning short pieces made for Fair Go's annual programme devoted to commercials. With DFK6498, he channels his recent experiences into a short, stylishly-shot memoir of incarceration, frustration and freedom lost. The film went on to win a trio of awards at Wanganui's River City Film Festival and win praise from director Peter Jackson.
On the ‘home front’ in 1943, Ngarie and Gerald sort air graph letterforms destined for New Zealand soldiers abroad. A tiny act of heroism brings together this unlikely pair in an unconventional love story that cleverly blends fact with fiction.
Documentary featuring backcountry skiing, extreme skiing and hang gliding in the Southern Alps.
In 1977 protesters occupied Bastion Point, after the announcement of a housing development on land once belonging to Ngāti Whātua. Five hundred and six days later, police and army arrived en masse to remove them. This documentary examines the rich and tragic history of Bastion Point/Takaparawhau — including how questionable methods were used to gradually take land from Māori, while basic amenities were withheld from those remaining. The Untold Story features extensive interviews with protest leader Joe Hawke, and footage from seminal documentary Bastion Point Day 507.
This short documentary is about New Zealand music duo, Kingrow. It covers their past, the present (2009, in this case), and the future plans they had at the time. Filmed in 2009, it was to accompany the release of their "7-Sided Parallel" album. A webcam was used to make this film, which explains the grainy quality.
This 1967 documentary tells the story of 734 Polish children who were adopted by New Zealand in 1944 as WWII refugees. Moving interviews, filmed 20 years later, document their harrowing exodus from Poland: via Siberian labour camps, malnutrition and death, to being greeted by PM Peter Fraser on arrival in NZ. From traumatic beginnings the film chronicles new lives (as builders, doctors, educators, and mothers) and ends with a family beach picnic. Made for television, this was one of the last productions directed by pioneering woman filmmaker Kathleen O'Brien.
A young woman and her friends gather at a beach house one evening to honour the memory of a loved one.
When his business partner retires, an overly-attentive cafe owner, embraces the challenge of working solo.