Head South

Writer and director Jonathan Oglivie came of age in 1970s Ōtautahi Christchurch, and later shot music videos for iconic Flying Nun bands, like Straitjacket Fits. Semi-autobiographical feature Head South is his love letter to Christchurch, its architecture and its fertile music scene. Teenager Angus (Australian Ed Oxenbould) becomes enamoured with post-punk music. Dying to impress guitarist Kirsten (played by singer Benee, aka Stella Bennett), he picks up the bass and attempts his own songs. In this trailer Angus starts his post-punk journey, observed by world-weary dad Gordon (Marton Csokas).

It’s a time and place in New Zealand’s recent cultural history that deserves to be shown off and celebrated. Head South is an authentic local story with truly international reach, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences. It’s a return to the world of music and ideas — and indeed the place, Ōtautahi Christchurch — that first inspired me to become a screenwriter and director.

– Director Jonathan Ogilvie on his fourth feature Head South, Scoop, 24 November 2023

Key Cast & Crew

Roxie Mohebbi

As: Holly

Shayne Carter

Composer

John Chrisstoffels

Cinematographer

Ed Oxenbould

As: Angus

Marton Csokas

As: Gordon

Jonathan Ogilvie

Writer, Director, Producer