Taika Waititi’s beloved Aotearoa New Zealand comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople returns to UK cinemas this summer in a new 4K restoration to mark its 10th anniversary.
Ahead of the wider UK re-release from Friday 7 August, Picturehouse Central will host a special preview screening on Thursday 30 July, followed by a live Q&A with writer-director Taika Waititi.
First released in 2016, Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows Ricky Baker, a rebellious city kid sent to live with a foster family in rural New Zealand. There he meets Aunt Bella and her gruff husband Hec, played by the late Sir Sam Neill.
When tragedy strikes, Ricky and Hec find themselves on the run in the New Zealand bush, sparking a national manhunt and an unlikely friendship.
The re-release comes shortly after the death of Sam Neill, who died in Sydney on 13 July, aged 78. His representative confirmed his death was caused by pneumonia, following treatment for blood cancer. Neill had recently shared that he was cancer-free.
For many audiences, Hunt for the Wilderpeople remains one of Neill’s most cherished later performances: funny, understated, warm and deeply rooted in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The 10th anniversary re-release offers a fitting opportunity to celebrate both Waititi’s much-loved film and Neill’s enduring contribution to New Zealand, Australian and international screen culture.
Currently listed UK venues include
Picturehouse Central, London — special preview + Taika Waititi Q&A on 30 July
The Prince Charles Cinema, London
The Lexi Cinema, London
The Garden Cinema, London
Archlight Cinemas, London
The Cinema in the Power Station, London
ActOne Cinema, London
Finsbury Park Picturehouse, London
Phoenix Cinema, Finchley
Ritzy Cinema, Brixton
The Rex Cinema, Berkhamsted
Cinema City Picturehouse, Norwich
Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
Phoenix Leicester
Forum Cinema, Hexham
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
Audiences should check individual cinema listings for the latest screening dates, times and ticket availability, as venues and schedules may change.
Tickets and further information for the screening & Q&A on 30 July