Graham McTavish
as Jack Wilson
A stoic and highly practical man, Jack Wilson suffers no fools and is resistant to change both on and off the farm. Graham McTavish brings warmth and stubborn grace to a man learning to let his family in.
The Dog Show — a New Zealand feature film, in cinemas 14 January 2027
A story of resilience, belonging and finding your way home.
The story
Filmed on working farms across wider Wellington, The Dog Show celebrates family, community and the remarkable bond between people and their dogs—with warmth, humour and unmistakable Kiwi spirit.
Real places. Real sheep. A distinctly New Zealand story.
Read the full storyThe trailer
See it for yourself
Find a screening
Where to see it
Coming to cinemas 14 January. Check back soon for session times.
The cast
Who you'll meet
David Wenham
as Trent Hardy
Trent rolls onto the screen in a vintage Datsun, music blaring and mirrored aviators, promising to put the district on the map. David Wenham plays him with glorious, slightly desperate charm — the villain everyone secretly enjoys.
Unaiki Stephens-Jones
as Lucy Wilson
Thirteen, freckled, and as determined (or stubborn) as her grandad Jack at dog trialling — if only he would let her prove it. Lucy is the heart of the film and the only one Max will listen to.
Meet the dog
Sav
A smooth haired tri colour border collie heading dog with an acute nose for sheep - but not so keen on ducks. Max does not act. He simply is — and the camera loves him for it.
Our animal welfare team was on set every single animal day of the shoot — and there were a great many pats given out.
Behind the scenesThe places
From rural Aotearoa to the big screen
Bringing them home
The Wilson family and Carl, bringing the final mob in from the muster.
Muster work
The stealth of the eye dogs always needs a backup bark of the Huntaways.
Lucy and best mate Max
Lucy (Unaiki Stephens-Jones) takes time out between takes to share a cuddle with Max. A real life bond that was crucial to their onscreen chemistry.
The woolshed
Lucy hard at work on the broom on shearing day.
Around the table
The next generation of the Wilson family around the farm dining table. On location in Greytown, Wairarapa.
Show day
Jack Wilson in competition mode. Not a sound to be heard, apart from his whistles.
The classic landy
The competition judges prized Landrover. Another classic prop sourced from classic car enthusiasts.
Billiards in Masterton
The full glory of the real Masterton Club billard room. Investors James and David line up a shot.
Competition time
Real world dog trailist Art Eastman steps up to an acting role, guiding his champion heading dogs to victory in the yarding competition.
The Hardy's are confident
Trent Hardy (David Wenham) and on screen father Murray Hardy (Art Eastman) watch sideline on competition day.
Mustering time
A real life muster - just add actors.
A deal is done
Trent (David Wenham) and Jack (Graham McTavish) walk tough, while making a life changing deal.
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