Local film The Locals grossed NZ$62,060 from 22 screens, giving it a screen average of NZ$2,821, in its opening four days in its home market of New Zealand.

This put the debut feature of short filmmaker and commercials director Greg Page in tenth spot. Distributor Essential came on board early this year when the chilling tale was in post-production. The film tells the story of two friends on a weekend road trip who after meeting two girls get lost in extremely hostile territory.

The film's soundtrack is a veritable who's who of current New Zealand rock - The Datsuns, Betchadupa, Pan Am, Elemenop, 8ft Sativa and The D4 - all bands that the director has made videos for.

Meanwhile, a film has finally elbowed Pirates Of The Carribbean out of the second spot: American Pie - The Wedding opened on the weekend with a gross of NZ$571,413 from 49 screens and an extremely healthy NZ$11,661 screen average, the biggest of the weekend. It was not enough to dislodge Finding Nemo, however.