Shopping

Shopping is the debut feature from childhood friends Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland, who won acclaim for their short films. The 80s-set drama follows a half-Samoan teen on the Kāpiti Coast (Kevin Paulo), who is seduced into a world of petty crime. Adrift in muscle cars and boozy parties, he finds stirrings of love, and escape from a volatile Pākehā dad. Little brother Solomon (Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison, in his film debut) must fend for himself. Selected for the Berlin and Sundance Film Festivals, Shopping won big, including a prize at Berlin and local awards for Best Film, Director and Screenplay.

An extremely compelling first film with a fantastic lead actor. We loved watching him on screen and felt a deep empathy with him. Sharp editing, strong visual choices and a complex, painful and loving portrayal of family. We appreciated the specificity of the world you brought us into. Your dedication to your vision is palpable.

– Generation 14plus jury comments on actor Kevin Paulo, at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival

Key Cast & Crew

Louis Sutherland

Co-Director, Writer, Casting

Jacek Koman

As: Bennie

Mark Albiston

Co-Director, Writer, Casting

Julian Dennison

As: Solomon

Ginny Loane

Cinematographer

Kevin Paulo

As: Willie