New Zealand

Early History 

New Zealand's early history doesn’t contain very much in the way of feature films.  This is mainly due to the lack of proper governmental support, and fact that the county is on “the edge of the world”. Being so isolated meant that it was difficult for successful long-form entertainment to gain popularity. Because of this the first New Zealand feature film was released in 1914 with the release of Hinemoa. The film was based around the Māori legend, and thus depicts a story enriched in New Zealand culture and history, whilst also establishing the Kiwi Gothic. 

In 1970 there were only a total of 5 New Zealand feature films created in the last 30 years. Most of the short films that were made during this time were documentaries created by the government’s publicity office, as an attempt to promote the country’s natural beauty and landscape. This did very little for the film industry, but it lays the groundwork for what little perception of the country other nations had at the time. 

70’s Onwards 

1973 marks a special change in New Zealand’s path, as that is when the UK joins the EU and as such must terminate the special relationship it had established with New Zealand. This marks a sudden shift, as New Zealand was now left on its own and needed to establish a new form of social identity within the world. This includes the looming recognition that New Zealand needs some way to appeal to an international audience without UK intervention. 

As such, in 1977, the New Zealand government finally decided to establish the “New Zealand Film Commision”, a program designed to help boost the international appeal of the country by supplying film makers with the funds required to make their films. Because of this, and a rather large tax break, the New Zealand industry sees a sudden “boom” of activity, as suddenly anyone could make a film with a budget with zero risk, as the government will give the makers money even if the final product didn’t make any. It is due to this support that in 1981 “Goodbye Pork Pie” was released and recognised with international appeal. 

Modern Industry 

It is really post 2005 where it can be said the New Zealand film industry had finally found its legs. This is thanks to the success of the “Lord of the Rings” movie franchise and that fact that New Zealand became known as “the land of Lord of the Rings”. Not only did this new branding promote tourism to the country, as audiences of the film around the world became entranced with this new landscape, but also it sent other film makers over to New Zealand so they could create their own films in the style of this trilogy