Head South

Writer and director Jonathan Oglivie came of age in 1970s Ōtautahi Christchurch, and later shot music videos for iconic Flying Nun bands, like Straitjacket Fits. Semi-autobiographical feature Head South is his love letter to Christchurch, its architecture and its fertile music scene. Teenager Angus (Australian Ed Oxenbould) becomes enamoured with post-punk music. Dying to impress guitarist Kirsten (played by singer Benee, aka Stella Bennett), he picks up the bass and attempts his own songs. In this trailer Angus starts his post-punk journey, observed by world-weary dad Gordon (Marton Csokas).

There wasn’t a real music industry, so you couldn’t become a rock star. Back in those days, we often talked about ‘the tyranny of distance.’ We felt so removed from everything. But it was the triumph of distance because it allowed people to interpret things in a new way. It’s a film about music, yes, but also about art and creative expression.

– Director Jonathan Ogilvie describes Christchurch in the late 1970s, Variety, 23 January 2024

Key Cast & Crew

John Chrisstoffels

Cinematographer

Ed Oxenbould

As: Angus

Roxie Mohebbi

As: Holly

Shayne Carter

Composer

Jonathan Ogilvie

Writer, Director, Producer

Marton Csokas

As: Gordon