Smash Palace (1982)

Reference Number: Film F3087

Happy Birthday NZFA
With no films and only $5,000 in the bank, the New Zealand Film Archive opened for business on 1 April 1981 from a desk in the office of the Federation of Film Societies. Jonathan Dennis, a persuasive and tireless publicist for the cause, was employed as director and sole staff member. David Fowler was elected chairman of the board and Ron Ritchie treasurer. Within the first decade more than 15,000 titles were held in the collection and the Archive’s presence within the cultural sector was firmly established. In 2006 the collection stands at more than 100,000 titles, financial and accommodation insecurities are no longer as haunting and around 40 people are employed to deliver services to over 350,000 users annually.

The Film Archive gratefully acknowledges Roger Donaldson producer/director for permission to use this clip from the 1982 hit movie Smash Palace.