New Zealand star Benee to make acting debut in post-punk coming-of-age indie film Head South

A New Zealand indie singer-songwriter will make her acting debut in an “almost-true story” about a teenager who navigates self-doubt and family tragedy while desperate to become a musician.

Benee, real name Stella Bennett, will star alongside Márton Csókás (Lord of the Rings, Bourne Identity, The Equaliser) and Ed Oxenbould (Paper Planes) in upcoming indie film Head South.

Directed by Jonathan Ogilvie, the 98 minute film follows an authentic account of the post-punk music scene in Christchurch in 1979 told from the point of view of teenager Angus (played by Oxenbould).

Desperate to fit in with the music subculture, Angus distances himself from his true friends and fabricates his musical talent, which leads to him being caught out by his own deceit.

On a path to become the musician he pretended to be, his friend Kirsten (played by Benee) supports him as he navigates self-doubt, derision, harmful behaviour and a family tragedy.

Ogilvie based the narrative on his own life experience growing up in Christchurch in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was keen to cast a musician in the role of Kirsten as she is the only character in the film with clear musical ability and the drive to pursue a music career.

And according to Ogilvie, the 25-year-old was his obvious choice.

“Stella has a naturalness in her performance that works wonderfully on screen,” he said.

“Although this is her first acting role, the performative persona evident in her music videos convinced me that she would be perfect in the role of Kirsten.

“I think it’s clear from Head South she has a great future in film if it’s something she wants to pursue.”

Benee said she was drawn to the script and musical influences.

“Everything was there and I just love how my character is secretly this shredder. The lines are so fun, there’s a bit of sass in there,” she said.

“I could be a bit of a grumpy teen, so that part came naturally. I love Jonathan’s attitude towards music. His whole vibe just really appealed to me.”

The Auckland artist burst onto the music scene as a teen crafting offbeat bedroom pop songs and became a worldwide sensation with pandemic hit Supalonely, which has been streamed six billion times.

One challenge the film’s production crew faced was trying to recreate Christchurch before the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. However, they managed to find locations, houses, and buildings that would bring 1979 back to life.

Ogilvie said he hoped for an emotional response from audiences when the film was released.

“Head South is ultimately a film a bout love and loss. I hope that audiences will feel empathy for Angus and a curiosity as to his immediate and long term future,” he said.

The film is out on April 3 and will be screened at Luna Palace Cinemas in Perth.