【Auckland Indie Cinema】 The Paragon (NZ, 2023, M) + Meet the Director

Rating: M – Suitable for mature audiences; contains violence, offensive language, sex scenes, and drug references.

The Paragon (2023) is a one-of-a-kind fantasy comedy from Auckland director Michael Duignan — a film that’s as bizarre as it is brilliant.

The story follows Dutch, a man who survives a hit-and-run accident in West Auckland. Traumatized but determined, he becomes obsessed with tracking down the driver. With the help of a mysterious spiritual guide, Dutch embarks on a journey to learn psychic powers.

Made on a shoestring budget of just NZ$25,000, The Paragon is a rare gem of New Zealand independent cinema — full of quirky humour, genre-blending chaos, and wild creativity. It’s a testament to what local filmmakers can achieve when they lean into imagination over money.

But more than just a film, this event is a window into Auckland’s indie film industry. Following the screening, we’ll be joined by director Michael Duignan for an exclusive Q&A.

He’ll share:

• How The Paragon was made with limited resources and unlimited creativity
• What it means to make films in Auckland today — the realities, challenges, and unique opportunities
• His own personal journey as a filmmaker

Whether you're a cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, film student, or just curious about how stories are told in our own city, this is a rare chance to hear directly from one of Auckland’s most original creative voices.

Location: Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000
Date and Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Fee: Free entry!

Note: We’re hosting the event on the second floor of the Ellen Melville Center. Please use the entrance on the right side of the building on the ground floor. Once you go up to the second floor, you’ll see our venue right there.

Please try to arrive on time, and if you have any trouble getting in, feel free to send me a text message at 0274306328 – Rick.