Country guide · Oceania
3 Movies Set in or About New Caledonia
New Caledonia on the atlas: the strongest films of its own cinema, and the films the rest of the world has set there. Every list is curated and ranked by hand.
3 Movies Set in or About New Caledonia
Outside filmmakers looking toward New Caledonia: optional perspectives for a wider journey.
-
1. Rebellion
In 1988, Kanak independence fighters take gendarmes hostage on a New Caledonian island, and as France sends in troops, a negotiator races to find a peaceful end before politics forces a bloody assault. Mathieu Kassovitz's tense, damning drama based on true events.
Film notesWhy & details
Curator’s note: A French historical drama about the Ouvéa cave hostage taking in New Caledonia.
-
2. Atlantis
Luc Besson's near-wordless documentary is a hypnotic celebration of the ocean's beauty and strangeness, gliding among its creatures set to a sweeping score. A visual and musical reverie of the underwater world.
Film notes -
3. The Proud and Profane
During World War II, a grieving Red Cross widow arrives on New Caledonia to learn how her husband died and falls into a turbulent affair with a hardened Marine officer. A romantic wartime drama.
Film notes
Selected by the Films Around the World editorial desk
Lists are ranked for craft, enduring reputation, influence, and depth of engagement with place. Native selections require a verified creative relationship to the country; souvenir selections require an outside creative lead and a country-centered story. Read the methodology.
Editorial review: 2026-07-13
Have you seen any of these? Stamp New Caledonia in the 196 country film challenge.
Nearby on the atlas
More Oceania guides: