Kiwi Cannibal Comedy 'The Weed Eaters' Launches 21-Theatre National Tour

Award-winning low-budget horror-comedy The Weed Eaters hits 21 NZ theatres. Writer Annabel Kean talks "ridiculous" practical effects and meat raffle tours.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 4:42 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

From Shoestring Budget to International Acclaim

Produced on a modest budget over a single writing weekend, The Weed Eaters follows a group of friends who encounter a specific strain of cannabis that inadvertently turns them into cannibals. Writer and lead actor Annabel Kean developed the project alongside director Callum Devlin, leveraging their collective experience from producing approximately 50 music videos. The film’s success caught the creators by surprise, particularly after receiving enthusiastic receptions from diverse audiences ranging from a packed Civic Theatre in Auckland to Gen Z viewers at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Indonesia.

Practical Effects and Local Sensibilities

Despite the gruesome premise, Kean describes the film's gore as more comedic than visceral, largely due to the limitations of DIY practical effects. The production relied on the cast and crew wearing "multiple hats," handling everything from on-screen performances to technical behind-the-scenes roles. While the humor is rooted in a distinctly New Zealand "Kiwi" sensibility—notably the joke writing of Finnius Teppett—the creators have found that the absurdity of the plot resonates across cultural borders, proving that high-concept ideas can overcome financial constraints.

Interactive Theatre Tour Experiences

To celebrate the national rollout, the film’s crew is introducing interactive elements to the screenings. The tour features a 1.8-meter giant fork for audience photo opportunities, alongside traditional Kiwi "meat raffles" and "scream competitions" at selected venues. These tongue-in-cheek promotional tactics mirror the film’s irreverent tone and aim to revitalize the theatrical experience for local moviegoers. Kean noted that the tour is not just about the film itself, but about creating a memorable community event.