Curtis Vowell is a Cook Island Maori director who has worked in the New Zealand film industry for the last 15 years. His debut feature film FANTAIL won over crowds both at home and overseas screening at a number of international film festivals.FANTAIL was nominated for 8 New Zealand Film Awards including Best Director and Best Film and was invited to have its international premiere at Rotterdam International Film Festival. The film was also selected for the Melbourne International Film Festival, winning a People’s Choice award.

His second feature film BABY DONE with Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s Piki Films was released in 2020, and stars Rose Matafeo and Matthew Lewis. In 2021 it was sold theatrically to the US and UK.

Curtis has also been directing numerous commercials for Exit Films, Augusto and Reel Factory. Since 2020 Curtis has been directing NZ hospital drama Shortland Street. He is currently directing a block of a TV series for Amazon and is in post-production on a new feature film.

THE OUTLAWS S3 (2023) TV Series
Block Director
Big Talk/ BBC / Amazon Studios

WORKMATES (2023) Feature Film
Director

SEIZE THEM (2023) Feature Film
Director
DJ Films
Starring Aimee Lou Wood, Loly Adefope, Nick Frost & Nicola Coughlin

BABY DONE (2020) Feature Film
Director
★★★★ NME ‘a heartfelt indie that’s worth your time’
★★★★ The Independent ‘disarmingly funny, emotionally truthful’
★★★★ The Guardian ‘very enjoyable and sassy New Zealand comedy’
★★★★ Radio Times
The Times ‘funny, witty and filled with memorable performances’

SHORTLAND STREET (2020-21) Television Director

GROW JOE (2017) Short Film Director

FANTAIL (2014) Feature Film Director