‘Pork Pie’ Man Looks At Future Of N.Z. Films (Press, 20 August 1981)

The article by Helen Brown, published on 20 August 1981, revolves around Geoff Murphy, a distinctive figure in New Zealand's film industry, known for his film "Pork Pie." The narrative begins with the author's interaction with a punk-styled woman, Robin, who is Geoff Murphy's daughter. She asks the author to fetch takeaways, setting an informal tone for the ensuing meeting with Murphy. Murphy, aged 42, is depicted as a creative character, seen in a bright orange jacket while editing "Pork Pie" at the National Film Unit. He discusses the intricacies of filmmaking, noting that certain local elements will be cut out for a foreign audience. Murphy believes that the heart of "Pork Pie" lies in the rebellious spirit of the characters rather than their illegal activities, stating that real rebellion is in their perspective. The interview reveals Murphy’s understanding of, and frustration with, the legal constraints surrounding creative expression in New Zealand. He claims that achieving anything in the country often requires permits, reflecting a rigid regulatory environment. Moreover, he shares that he has personally taken on various roles during filming, including driving cars and using his children as extras, which illustrates his do-it-yourself approach. Murphy also reflects on his past as a primary school teacher, expressing disdain for the educational system and the challenges of engaging with troubled students. His transition into filmmaking began in 1970, motivated by his friends working in television. Despite early successes, he faced financial struggles and was on the dole while creating “Pork Pie,” which, although a hit, has only just covered its costs. The narrative touches upon the broader context of the New Zealand film industry, highlighting a pivotal moment marked by the release of four independent films that ignited a demand for local content. This led to the establishment of the Film Commission, which provides funding and support. Murphy cautions against excessive celebration of this newfound success, warning that the industry's survival is precarious. He stresses the need for local audiences to appreciate New Zealand cinema, which can influence international perceptions of the country and potentially boost its economy. In conclusion, the article presents Geoff Murphy as a committed filmmaker navigating the challenges of the New Zealand film industry, balancing artistry with the harsh realities of funding and distribution, while advocating for local narratives that resonate with Kiwi audiences. He continues to work late into the night, preparing a version of “Pork Pie” tailored for British viewers, while maintaining his quirky, rebellious spirit.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand