With cinemas across the globe closing down to protect us all from COVID-19, we’re all yearning for the high-quality films we usually catch as they hit our screens. Luckily, there are still ways to access fresh new films and support local businesses while you’re streaming some excellent content!
Academy Cinemas On Demand
https://ondemand.academycinemas.co.nz/
Auckland’s favourite basement cinema, usually found nestled under the Auckland Central Library, has gone digital. Academy has pulled together a curated collection of arthouse, independent, and foreign films for their loyal customers. Each staff member also has a “top picks” list for viewers to peruse with personal recommendations. Films can be rented for a week from $4.99.
Top pick:
If you missed Parasite (2019) in cinemas, now is your chance to catch the class critique that got the cinema world debating subtitles.
Try Waru (2017) for a beautifully shot and at times horrific glimpse into the lives of New Zealanders – have that spare toilet paper ready for your tears.
MUBI
You might not find the latest releases here, but you will find an ever-changing and freshly curated list of films you may have otherwise never heard of. MUBI offers a new film of the day, every single day. Films are available for a month, and then they’re gone. You can subscribe for $9.99 a month.
Top picks:
Party (1984), a solid thinkpiece on privilege and how art can convey a social consciousness. It’s in Hindi, and elusive for New Zealand viewers outside of MUBI.
All of a Sudden (2016), a German film that looks at justice and how one small society interprets and enacts it.
New Zealand Film on Demand
https://ondemand.nzfilm.co.nz/
New Zealand cinema contains a whole bunch of hidden and not so hidden gems (Forgotten Silver, one might say…). If you’re behind on your local content, here’s your chance to catch up. Films can be rented or purchased.
Top picks:
Rain (2001), notable for the fantastic use of landscapes and for the amount you’re likely to cry.
The Ground We Won (2015), following a rural community and their extremely wholesome commitment to their local rugby competition.
Finding more films to watch
If you’re stuck on what to watch next, check out Letterboxd, a social film discovery tool developed by two New Zealanders! You can keep track of what you’ve watched and check out what your friends, or people with similar film taste, have rated highly.