Stephen Papps

Actor and stand-up comedian Stephen Papps won a New Zealand Film Award for one of his earliest screen appearances, after playing Firpo, the child-like dreamer who befriends the hero, in the movie of Bruce Mason classic The End of the Golden Weather. In 2008 he was nominated again for Russian Snark, starring as a frustrated Russian filmmaker trying to relaunch his career in New Zealand — a role he learnt to speak Russian for. He followed this acclaimed performance with another lead role, as real life military hero Keith Park in The Kiwi Who Saved Britain. Papps’ short film appearances include award-winners Possum and Lemming Aid. 

I was absolutely smitten by Stephen's devotion to his part. He started learning the whole language, not just his lines... by the end he was so good and convincing with the Russian language that between takes I would often forget and speak to him in Russian. Actor Elena Stejko on acting alongside Stephen Papps in Russian Snark, OnFilm magazine, June 2011, page 16