NZ On Screen - February Top 10

On 19th February NZ On Screen was one of three finalists in the Most Outstanding Website category at the inaugural ONYAs Awards - the NZ web industry’s Oscars. We didn’t win - the honours went to accounting software site Xero - but we were delighted that the project's concept and design was recognised alongside some world-leading web work.

Check out February’s Top Ten: a particularly choice selection of Aotearoa screen culture as showcased on the site; from Score to A State of Siege, from Nice One Stu to On the Mat ... enjoy!

1. Nice One
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/nice-one-1976-a10/series
Television Series, 1976-78, Full Length Episode + Excerpts

Nice One Stu - the overgrown, cheeky 70s schoolboy and legend of New Zealand kids’ TV - tops the charts courtesy of a mention in NZ Herald’s ‘Sideswipe’ column: “Stu drags on a fag like it’s a joint, recites a violent poem and makes a gently homophobic gag. Fantastic!”

2. Love, Speed and Loss
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/love-speed-and-loss-2007
Television, 2005, Full Length

This stirring documentary, about champion motorcyclist Kim Newcombe - who turned heads in the 70s on a König motorbike he developed and designed himself before being tragically killed racing - continues to connect with international motorheads.

3. On The Mat
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/on-the-mat-1975/series
Television, 1975-1983, 2 Full Episodes

NZ On Screen exclusively reprised cult pro wrestling TV show On the Mat last month, and fans have gotten into the ring to revel in the retro appeal of 70s and 80s Kiwi grapplers, including Sweet William and Brute Miller (later famous in the US as The Bushwackers).

4. Score
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/score-1980
Short Film, 1980, Full Length

The French 1979 rugby tour of NZ is rendered in slow-motion and cut to Tchaikovsky in this ballsy Swan Lake in the mud. A National Film Unit classic and another Sideswipe hit: “a simple, yet fantastic idea and a way of looking at something with fresh eyes”.

5. Such A Stupid Way to Die
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/such-a-stupid-way-to-die-1971
Short Film, 1971, Full Length

In this infamous bush safety video a trip into the bush turns into a Stubbies-clad 70s Kiwi version of the Blair Witch Project. The doom-laden tone induced titters in many a school classroom and scout hall. Check out a bearded Ray Henwood (yes, Dai’s Dad).

6. The Janet Frame Collection
http://www.nzonscreen.com/collection/the-janet-frame-collection
A collection of six titles

Timed to commemorate the anniversary of her passing six years ago, this collection celebrates writer Janet Frame's life and work on screen, from applauded Vincent Ward and Jane Campion translations to a rare TV interview with Michael Noonan.

7. Circuits of Gold
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/circuits-of-gold-1987
Short Film, 1987, Full Length

Champion speedway driver Ivan Mauger powered and slid his motorbike around oval tracks to a record six individual world speedway titles from 1968-79. The doco captures his focus, "if you show me a good loser you show me someone who consistently loses".

8. A Tribute to Kevin Smith
http://www.nzonscreen.com/collection/a-tribute-to-kevin-smith
A collection of 12 titles

This collection honouring late actor Kevin Smith charts in time to remember his talents on the anniversary of his birthday (March 16th). Accompanying the clips, writer James Griffin, and actors Michael Hurst, Geoffrey Dolan and Simon Prast pay written tribute.

9. The Best of the Billy T James Collection
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-best-of-billy-t-james-collection-1992
Television, 1992, Full Length

Billy T’s unique brand of humour is captured here at its affable, non-PC best in this compilation of skits from his popular 80s TV shows. There’s Te News with Billy in iconic black singlet and yellow towel; the first contact skits, Turangi Vice, and classic ad spoofs.

10. A State of Siege
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/a-state-of-siege-1978
Short Film, 1978, Full Length

Vincent Ward's acclaimed short - adapted from a Janet Frame novel - tells the story of a retired art teacher dealing with isolation and loneliness, culminating in a stormy, terrifying night. The LA Times gushed: “Stunning ... film becomes poetry.”

ENDS

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