2010, 90 minutes

A true story of romance, secrets and terrible adventure in which Ed Preston, on his way home from rugby practice in 1940, joins the New Zealand Army to go to World War II. His new wife, Tui, is pregnant and distraught, but he tells her not to worry, he'll be home by Christmas. And so he is — four years later — after escaping from a prison camp in Italy. But while Ed is away, Tui has fallen in love with another man. A remarkable memoir of resilience, determination and love.

'A bravura performance by Tony Barry is woven together with WWII archival footage in this touching Kiwi memoir' - Variety

Selected: Cannes Cinephile, Sydney, Melbourne, London,
Bali Balinale, India, Shanghiai

2003, 100 minutes

When seduction becomes deception and passion becomes possession, torn between fear and desire, Melanie kills her ardent admirer, just before she realises she loves him.

A chilling romance.

'Gaylene Preston's generally taut and well directed pic is her best work in film to date.'

- David Stratton, Variety

Selected: Fantasporto, Vancouver, Brussels International Fantasy Film festival, Vladivostok , London, Montreal, Film Des Femmes Paris, Stockholm, Seattle, Chicago, Germany, Hof, Shangahai, Cincinnati, Melbourne, Toronto Female Eye

1990, 102 minutes

Rata needs an address so she can continue to cheat the welfare department. Ruby needs an Anglican. Willie lights fires. Their culture clash of lies and pretentions is told with humour, warmth and charm and reveals an unlikely family with more in common than they realize… A warm-hearted comedy.

'Preston and her team have woven a special kind of Kiwi magic in this one - I'd crawl over broken glass to see it again - and again'
- Peter Calder, NZ Herald

Selected: New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, London, Milan, Seattle, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Palm Springs

1985, 87 minutes

What would you do if the car you just bought made noises - like somebody's dying breaths? I happens to Meg. And she attracts unwanted passanges - like the strange woman who gets in the back seat and disappears, or the sinister man who persistently watches her every move. Meg doesn't know who they are. All she knows is that these people are inextricably linked to her car and her life is in danger.

Her mum wants her to meet Mr Right but she is haunted by MR WRONG.

'A dandy little thriller marked by excellent performances' - Judith Crist

Selected: NZ, Seattle, Chicago, Melbourne, Munich, Cretiell Films Des Femmes

1995, 94 minutes

In this moving documentary, seven elderly women recall their personal experiences of World War II. Their heartfeld tales have the capacity to move an audience to laughter and to tears, as they tell of love, death, small pleasures and large fears in a time of enormous change. From tragic love stories to long-suppressed revelations of sex and loss, War Stories is a richly revealing touchstone of New Zealand history.

'Gaylene Preston takes a simple idea
and turns it into a rich, universal experience proving that there is nothing more beautiful than the human face talking from the heart.'
- Kevin Thomas, LA Times

Selected: Venice, Sundance, Toronto, London, Hong Kong,
Gothenburg, Munich, Melbourne, Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal, Seattle, Chicago

2007, 70 minutes

Renowned New Zealand painter Rita Angus lived and worked at a time when to be a full time artist was unusual and hardly considered a serious occupation. Preston explores a colourful collection of friends and family who knew and loved Rita, while biographer Jill Trevelyan provides a fresh intelligence on the Rita Angus life story. A wealth of letters from Rita to Douglas Lilburn, re-enacted on screen by Loren Horsley, form a moving personal commentary.

'A lively and loving look at one of our cultural icons.' - Angela Walker, Sunday Star Times

1996, 46 minutes

This is a warts-and-all tribute to one of the country's best-known, best-loved and most colourful literary figures. In a tiny house in the South Otago settlement of Kaka Point where he wrote prolifically, Hone Tuwhare allowed a film crew to observe him at home, and travelling the country reading his work. The result is a punchy portrait of a remarkable poet and a great New Zealand character.

'Working with Hone was a blast. I stayed friends with him for the rest of his life, and he enriched mine, and thousands of others through his wonderful words.' - Directors Perspective

Selected: NZ International Film Festival

2007, 45 minutes

This documentary follows a 32-strong 'mob of veterans' (the oldest is 95) on their trip to unveil a war memorial in London's Hyde Park. The memorial honours New Zealand's service in war alongside Britain. The ceremony took place on November 11, 2006, with attendees including Prime Ministers Helen Clark and Tony Blair, The Queen and ... Dave Dobbyn. For many of the elderly vets it is effectively their second OE; they remember war stories and lost mates, flirt with young journalists and endure the pitfalls of airport drudgery and jet-lag.

'The veterans march again with a pride in their past and their present, which is our pride too.'

- GRAEME TETLEY

2006, 44 minutes

With an almighty crack and rumble followed by a devastating fire, the Hawkes Bay Earthquake of 1931 struck with lethal results. 258 people died and many more were left injured and homeless. A documentary of loss and survival and of lives changed forever told by people who thought their world was ending.

'Preston has interwoven personal eye-witness accounts of the disaster with stunning archival footage from the time'

2001, 72 minutes

An upfront exploration of the emotional discoveries of women with breast cancer, this brave and valuable documentary raises a subject most people would rather avoid. Preston coaxes touching and sympathetic testimonies, making the troubling journey worthwhile. Watch it with a friend.

'A compelling mixture of poetry and pragmatism.'
- Irene Gardiner

Selected: NZ Film Festival

1999, 72 minutes

This documentary is a view into the crucible that forged Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, which opened in 1998. Fascinating fly-on-the-wall moments are captured as a new kind of National Museum is conceived. As political, ideological, creative and commercial considerations collide, the frustrations of decision making by committee are palpable.

'Has many of the hallmarks of a thriller.'
- Peter Calder, NZ Herald

Selected: NZ Film Festival

1987, 27 minutes

Keri Hulme talks about her writing and coping with success. Her nextdoor neighbour claims full credit for the Bone People, Leon Narbey's cinematography makes Okarito look like Paradise.

Selected: NZ Film Festival