Kurt Cobain: About a Son (USA 2006)

Imagine a documentary about one of the most recognisable rock icons of the 20th Century that barely features his image at all? Welcome to the world of director AJ Schnack. In this film impressionist images take the place of Cobain's face as the man himself tells his life story courtesy of a collection of intimate interviews he did with trusted journalist and friend Michael Azerrad the year before his tragic death.

The result is a truly profound experience in which you take on Cobain's words with greater ease and deeper meaning while your visual sense are taken on a ride of their own. Evocative and compelling, Kurt Cobain: About a Son is a complex portrait of a brilliant yet ultimately troubled man.

Eagle Vs Shark (New Zealand 2007)

The first feature film from director Taika Waititi (Oscar nominated for his short film Two Cars, One Night in 2005) is deadpan romantic comedy at its geek-infested best. Co-written by Waititi and Loren Horesly, the film follows Loren's sweet natured, awkward character Lily as she tries to capture the heart of the self-absorbed computer geek Jarrod (Flight of the Conchords' Jermaine Clement).

Not surprisingly critics in the US have likened Eagle Vs Shark to 2004 sensation Napoleon Dynamite and although the similarities are obvious there's something undeniably unique about this local walk on the weird side. The laughs are long and loud, the social interactions truly exquisite and the retro fashion sense a godsend.

Death at a Funeral (UK/USA 2007)

This classic British black comedy is so terribly riotous you may well find yourself in the aisles doubled up with laughter. The setting is a traditional English funeral; the protagonist a gay dwarf and; the film's best payoff a guy on hallucinogens running round in the nude. What more could you ask for?

Death at a Funeral comes courtesy of director Frank Oz best known for his work with the Muppet Show and his film The Stepford Wives. It also features an all-star British cast including Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Graves and Alan Tudyk playing pitch perfect characters.

Currently showing in Auckland the NZ Film Festival will visit all major towns in New Zealand over the next four months. Stay tuned for more recommendations