Dark Stories: Tales from Beyond the Grave
Compilation of six short films from New Zealand: Eau de la vie Sure to Rise A Moment Passing Headlong The Imploding Self: A Journey Through the Life of Fergus McLafferty Bitch
Niki Caro
Anna Reeves
Simon Raby
Fiona Samuel
Simon Baré
Charlie De Salis
Also Directed by Niki Caro
Niki Caro directed this romantic drama from New Zealand, adapted from Peter Wells' story, Of Memory & Desire, about the doomed affair of a Japanese couple on their honeymoon in New Zealand. The body of Keiji (Eugene Nomura) is pulled ashore on a New Zealand beach; his widow Sayo (Yuri Kinugawa) then tells the tale in flashback: Attracted to Keiji, Sayo marries him over the objections of his mother (Yoko Narahashi). Keiji becomes depressed when it seems he cannot consummate their marriage.
Off the Ligurian Sea on the Italian Coast in the year 1962, an American actress comes to stay in a hotel, owned by the family of a young man named Pasquale, during the production of a major Hollywood film. In the present day, an aged Pasquale tries to find the beautiful darling he spotted back in the day.
When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Chinese Army to defend the country from Huns, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. She is spirited, determined and quick on her feet. Disguised as a man by the name of Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her innermost strength and embrace her true potential.
Following the rise of the rock band Daisy Jones and The Six through the '70s L.A. music scene on their quest for worldwide icon status.
A deadly female assassin who comes out of hiding to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men
A fantasy romance set in 19th century France. The film revolves around Sobran, a young peasant winemaker, and the three important figures in his life - his beautiful wife Celeste, baroness Aurora de Valday and an angel named Xas.
A fictionalized account of the first major successful sexual harassment case in the United States -- Jenson vs. Eveleth Mines, where a woman who endured a range of abuse while working as a miner filed and won the landmark 1984 lawsuit.
A track coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders.
April discovers an injured man on the beach and takes him to a makeshift community called Paradise. But can she protect him?
A biopic about the operatic star, Maria Callas.
Also Directed by Anna Reeves
A love story about a young man who runs away up an isolated Australian river and gets a job with eighth generation oyster famers.
Also Directed by Fiona Samuel
Bliss tells the story of Katherine Mansfield in her early 20s as she leaves New Zealand and begins her journey as a writer.
A plain woman with a beautiful voice is trapped in a difficult life caring for her cranky elderly father.
Adapted from Renee's 1995 novel Does This Make Sense to You?, the TV movie lays bare the pain caused by forced adoptions inflicted on unwed and teenage mothers in 1950s and 60s Aotearoa
Isabel recalls a trio of relationships: one with a man in the middle of discovering he is gay, one with a man who doesn't like the smell of Isabel's pet dog, and the one with her friend Ruth.
Also Directed by Simon Baré
Catherine is taken to dine at "Eau de la vie" an opulent cafe known for its unusual entertainment. Her business associates Grant and Sarah intend to initiate her into their sordid society and strip her of her innocence. Catherine must choose from a small group of performers who will entertain the diners for the evening. She selects a young attractive man unaware that the finale of the evenings entertainment will end in his dead. To save the young man she has chosen, Catherine is driven to fight for her own life but oblivious to her struggle the other diners believe it is all part of the evening's entertainment Catherine has to stand alone. They say that evil triumphs when good people do nothing. Eau de la vie is a dark tale of hedonism and individual courage.
Also Directed by Charlie De Salis
A fisherman is swept into the sea by a freak wave. He desperately fights for his life only to find his apparent survival is not what it seems.