11th February 2025
New Zealand’s film industry continues to thrive in 2025, with local talent, stunning landscapes, and world-class production facilities making Aotearoa a major player on the global stage. From independent films gaining international recognition to large-scale productions choosing New Zealand as their backdrop, the industry is in an exciting period of growth.
With the continued success of Avatar sequels filming in Wellington and productions like Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power leveraging our world-famous landscapes, New Zealand remains a top choice for blockbuster filmmaking. But beyond the big names, our homegrown talent is making waves in film festivals and on international streaming platforms.
New Zealand directors, writers, and actors are gaining international acclaim, with films tackling everything from Māori heritage to contemporary social issues. This year, several Kiwi films are poised to make an impact at the New Zealand International Film Festival and beyond.
Recent successes include:
We Were Dangerous – A powerful film exploring the realities of young Māori women in the 1950s, earning praise on the festival circuit.
The Convert – Starring Guy Pearce, this historical drama about early colonial Aotearoa showcases the depth of storytelling our industry offers.
Uproar – A heartfelt Kiwi coming-of-age story that has charmed audiences both at home and abroad.
With increased funding from the New Zealand Film Commission and more international co-productions choosing Aotearoa, local filmmakers are finding greater opportunities to bring their stories to life.
Māori and Pasifika voices are becoming more prominent in New Zealand’s film industry, with greater representation both in front of and behind the camera. Initiatives such as the NZ On Air Te Māngai Pāho funding scheme are ensuring that stories rooted in te ao Māori (the Māori world) reach wider audiences.
From feature films to streaming series, the demand for authentic indigenous storytelling is growing. Productions like Muru, Cousins, and Whina have set the stage for a new wave of Māori filmmakers, with fresh voices bringing new perspectives to Aotearoa’s cinematic landscape.
New Zealand’s reputation as a premium filming destination remains strong, with Hollywood productions continuing to choose our country for its unparalleled scenery, experienced crews, and world-leading facilities like Wētā FX and Auckland Film Studios.
Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are investing heavily in international productions filmed in Aotearoa, bringing valuable job opportunities to local talent. With the government maintaining competitive film incentives, the future of large-scale international productions in New Zealand looks promising.
A Year of Celebration for NZ Film
From local filmmakers breaking onto the world stage to major productions boosting our economy, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the New Zealand film industry. With Kiwi storytelling gaining more recognition, Māori and Pasifika voices shining brighter than ever, and international collaborations.
© 2025 Collaborate NZ