Isaac Lee is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, editor, composer and musician from Aotearoa New Zealand. A passionate independent storyteller, he has spent years creating original films and music that celebrate the unique stories of New Zealand.

Isaac is the founder of Relentless Pictures, where he develops and produces original feature films, short films and music projects. He is a hands-on filmmaker who is deeply involved in every stage of production, often writing, directing, producing, editing and composing the music for his own work.

His short film The Haka, inspired by the true story of the 1914 Christmas Truce, reimagines the historic event through the lens of Māori soldiers serving in the First World War. The film premiered on Anzac Day 2021, screened internationally in France, was selected for film festivals including Cannes-affiliated screenings, and won Best Film at the Top of the South Film Festival.

Isaac also wrote and directed the acclaimed short film Eels, further establishing his reputation as a filmmaker committed to authentic New Zealand storytelling.

His debut feature film, 1978, is an ambitious family drama set during one of the most significant periods in New Zealand history. Blending humour, heart and historical events, the film explores family, identity, community and the Māori land rights movement through the eyes of a rural Kiwi family.  As writer, director, producer and editor, 1978 represents Isaac's most ambitious work to date and reflects his passion for telling distinctly New Zealand stories with universal appeal.

Alongside filmmaking, Isaac is a prolific musician and songwriter. He writes, arranges, records and produces his own music, creating everything from cinematic orchestral pieces to  original singer-songwriter recordings. He also directs and edits his own music videos, bringing the same cinematic approach to his music as he does to his films.

Whether behind the camera, in the edit suite, or in the recording studio, Isaac is driven by one goal: to create stories and music that inspire hope,  and leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll. His work reflects a deep love for Aotearoa, its people and its history, while aiming to reach audiences around the world with stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.

April Phillips is an award-winning actress, playwright, screenwriter, director and producer whose work spans theatre, film and television. With more than 25 years as a professional writer, she is one of New Zealand's most licensed playwrights, with 13 plays represented by Playmarket and productions staged throughout New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island and the United Kingdom. Her internationally successful comedy STiFF has been produced more than 100 times, making it one of New Zealand's most enduring contemporary stage comedies. She is also a member of the acclaimed Hens' Teeth women's comedy troupe and a founding writer and performer with the Femme Natale Theatre Company.

Alongside her theatre career, April has written, directed and produced eight award-winning short films that have screened internationally at prestigious festivals including Fantasia, Screamfest, FilmQuest, A Night of Horror, the London Sci-Fi Film Festival and the Cinema des Antipodes in Cannes. In 2021, The Haka, which she co-wrote with Isaac Lee, premiered on Anzac Day, screened internationally, and went on to reach more than four million viewers online. Her work has also been selected for international showcases, including the New Zealand Film Festival in China.

April holds a Master's degree in Scriptwriting from Victoria University of Wellington, where she received the Michael Hirschfeld Scholarship for Scriptwriting following an internship with the New Zealand Film Commission. Throughout her career she has been recognised with numerous awards for her work across stage and screen, including the PANZ Outstanding Achievement Award and a Humanitarian Award for her science fiction film The Last Man on Earth.

As co-writer of 1978, April brings decades of experience in writing compelling characters, authentic dialogue and emotionally engaging stories. Her background across theatre, comedy and film has helped shape the heart, humour and humanity of the feature, reflecting her passion for creating original New Zealand stories that resonate with audiences both at home and around the world.

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Jess Denise is an accomplished New Zealand producer and creative leader with more than a decade of experience across feature films, documentaries, television and commercial productions. Having worked throughout New Zealand and Australia, she has built a reputation for bringing ambitious stories to life through thoughtful planning, creative collaboration and meticulous execution. Her experience spans both indigenous storytelling and large-scale commercial productions, giving her a unique ability to balance creative vision with the practical demands of filmmaking while fostering strong relationships across every department of a production.

Throughout her career, Jess has overseen projects from early development through to delivery, working closely with writers, directors, cast, crew and key stakeholders to ensure productions are completed to the highest standard. She is passionate about championing meaningful stories, building collaborative creative teams, and creating an environment where filmmakers can do their best work. Her producing experience has seen her manage complex productions across a range of formats, combining strong organisational leadership with a calm, solutions-focused approach that allows creativity to flourish.

As Producer of 1978, Jess has played a central role in guiding the film from development through production, post-production and release. Working alongside writer and director Isaac Lee, she has helped oversee every stage of the project, coordinating the many moving parts required to bring an ambitious independent feature to the screen. Her leadership, attention to detail and commitment to the creative vision have been instrumental in delivering a film that celebrates New Zealand history, culture and community.

Passionate about supporting original voices and authentic storytelling, Jess is dedicated to producing films that resonate with audiences both in New Zealand and internationally. Her ability to balance creativity with practical execution, while bringing people together around a shared vision, continues to make her a valued producer and collaborator on independent film projects.

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Matt Sharp is an award-winning cinematographer with more than 18 years of experience across feature films, television, documentaries, music videos and commercial productions. Originally born in Scotland and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, Matt has developed a distinctive cinematic style that combines striking visual storytelling with a strong technical foundation, earning him a reputation as one of Wellington's leading independent cinematographers.

Throughout his career, Matt has photographed five feature films and more than 45 short films, alongside numerous documentaries, corporate productions and music videos. His extensive background in lighting, camera operation and post-production has seen him work across both independent productions and major international film projects, bringing a wealth of experience to every production.

Matt has collaborated with writer and director Isaac Lee on several acclaimed projects, including the award-winning short films The Haka and Eels, before serving as Director of Photography on 1978. His thoughtful visual approach helped shape the film's authentic rural New Zealand setting, balancing sweeping landscapes with intimate character moments to create a warm, cinematic look that honours the story's emotional heart.

Alongside his work behind the camera, Matt is an accomplished editor and creative director, continually exploring new ways to tell stories through visual language. Passionate about collaboration and craftsmanship, he remains dedicated to creating films that connect with audiences through powerful imagery and meaningful storytelling.

Ricky Simmonds is a New Zealand composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose work spans film, television and contemporary music. Known for his ability to blend cinematic orchestration with modern production, Ricky creates emotionally rich scores that enhance story, character and atmosphere. Alongside his screen work, he is an accomplished recording artist and producer, releasing original music under the name Twig Pigeon.

With a background in composition, sound design and music production, Ricky has developed a versatile musical style that moves effortlessly between intimate emotional moments and large-scale cinematic themes. His collaborative approach and attention to storytelling have made him a sought-after composer for screen projects, where music plays a vital role in shaping the audience's emotional experience.

As composer for 1978, Ricky created an original score that captures the warmth of rural New Zealand, the innocence and adventure of childhood, and the emotional depth of a family navigating one of the country's most significant historical moments. Blending orchestral textures with contemporary production and subtle cultural influences, his music enhances the film's humour, heart and sense of place while supporting its themes of whānau, identity and resilience.

Passionate about crafting memorable musical experiences, Ricky believes the best film scores serve the story first, creating an emotional connection that stays with audiences long after the credits roll. His work on 1978 reflects that philosophy, delivering a soundtrack that is both powerful and deeply personal.

Eric Saindon is a two-time Academy Award® and BAFTA Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor whose career spans some of the most celebrated films in modern cinema. A Senior Visual Effects Supervisor at Wētā FX since 1999, Eric has helped pioneer groundbreaking visual effects on films including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, Avatar, The Hobbit trilogy, Alita: Battle Angel, The Green Knight and Avatar: The Way of Water.

Renowned for combining technical innovation with cinematic storytelling, Eric has supervised thousands of visual effects shots across productions ranging from intimate dramas to some of the highest-grossing films ever made. His contributions to the industry have earned multiple Academy Award®, BAFTA and Visual Effects Society honours, and he is an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

As Visual Effects Supervisor on 1978, Eric brought his world-class expertise to the film, overseeing visual effects that seamlessly supported the story while preserving its grounded, authentic New Zealand setting. His collaborative approach ensured every enhancement served the narrative, helping create an immersive cinematic experience without drawing attention away from the performances and emotional heart of the film.

Whether working on global blockbusters or independent productions, Eric is passionate about using visual effects to enhance storytelling rather than overshadow it. His involvement in 1978 reflects a commitment to supporting ambitious New Zealand filmmaking and helping local stories reach audiences with the highest level of cinematic craftsmanship.