Shihad - Beautiful Machine

This theatrically released documentary charts 23 years of highs and lows for one of Aotearoa's most enduring rock bands — complete with personal dramas, early tragedy, adoring local audiences, album sales of 250,000, attempts to crack the United States, and an agonising name change. Seeking an audience beyond the faithful, award-winning director Sam Peacocke expanded the story's scope to feature the band's family and friends, as much as the music. NZ Herald writer Scott Kara called the result "a cracker", and "a must-see for fans of the band".

The rare footage of their very early days, back when Toogood and Larkin were still metal kids at Wellington High, is priceless. This is Shihad's story, and it's a cracker, which makes it a must-see for fans of the band.

– Scott Kara in a four star NZ Herald review, 16 May 2012

Key Cast & Crew

Ari Wegner

Cinematographer

Simon Baumfield

Cinematographer

Laurence Alexander

Producer

Cushla Dillon

Editor

Sam Peacocke

Director

Grant Roa

Producer