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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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