History of New Zealand Film
the colonial past of New Zealand. In 1985 The Quiet Earth examined a New Zealand written science fiction work, where only three people seemed to be left alive after a terrible accident. It’s memorable for the terrific acting by Bruno Lawrence. He also appeared in Smash Palace another hardhitting New Zealand film. In 1989 NZ On Air was established, using the Public Broadcasting Fee to fund productions.
And the 1990s was a time where production may have been lower, but some great movies still made it through against the odds - The End of the Golden Weather and Crush, both in 1992. Also in that year, a young director from Wellington released his own first effort Braindead. It’s mix of humour and over the top gore is unsettling for many people, though it went on to become a cult classic. 1993 saw the release of Jane Campion’s the Piano, to much critical acclaim. It won both the Palm d’Or at Cannes and then three Oscars.
Peter Jackson after delving into the splatter genre, also gained recognition with his Heavenly Creatures in 1994. This unnerving psychological look into the world of two teens, showed he was capable of a wide range of work. Once Were Warriors, also released in 1994, was a dark examination of a different world, but was just as disturbing in its portrayl of violence.
New Zealand, for such a small country has a rich history of film, and this is reflected in the fact that the government is considering a museum of film for Wellington. And the future looks bright. With Peter Jackson’s mammoth undertaking of bringing Lord of the Rings to the screen, the world’s eyes are turning to New Zealand, and its film making is getting the attention it deserves.
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