The Reel People of New Zealand

Half-hour documentary The Reel People of New Zealand visits boutique cinemas, from Te Awamutu’s Regent Theatre to Stewart Island’s Bunkhouse. The changing landscape of movie-watching is revealed through visits to legendary Christchurch video store Alice (which has added a screening venue) to Opunake’s community-owned Everybody’s Theatre and Wanaka’s compact Rubys Cinema. The interviews include cinema and video store managers, tales of getting married in a cinema, and contrasting views on whether the death of cinema is unlikely or inevitable. 

We can say we're the most southernest theatre in New Zealand, and if someone wants to make one down in Auckland Island or Campbell Island or Antarctica, you're most welcome.

– Pete Davis, manager of Stewart Island's Bunkhouse Theatre

Key Cast & Crew

Nick Homler

Director, Producer, Editor, Camera

Geoff Lealand

Subject, Inspiration