WARNING SOME CONTENT MAY DISTURB: Spookers is scheduled to debut in New Zealand cinemas later this year.

The first trailer for Kiwi filmmaker Florian Habicht's latest documentary has been released.

Spookers takes viewers inside and behind-the-scenes of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest horror theme park, located in the former Nurse Hostel in the Kingseat Hospital Grounds in Auckland.

Berlin-born Habicht, whose previous documentary subjects have included Kaikohe's demolition derby, artist Warwick Broadhead and the British band Pulp, admits he had never been to Spookers before he was asked to consider directing the film.

Supplied Spookers documentary maker Florian Habicht says the mixture of Pacific Islanders, Pakeha and Maori who work there also make the place unique.

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"When I walked into the changing rooms, where all the performers were getting ready, I was flabbergasted! In those paint-splattered corridors were people from all walks of life, able to transform themselves with make-up and costumes into convincingly fearsome monsters and freakish characters.

"The actors who work at Spookers are amateurs. They have taught themselves how to act by dressing up, and scaring customers in character, two nights a week, for up to six hours with no breaks. They learn their craft on the job.



"Through the process of making the film, I held a workshop with some of the actors and asked them to write down their dreams and nightmares on bits of paper. We ended up scripting these dreams which they acted out as dramatic scenes which are now woven throughout the documentary. This was an incredible experience for the performers, and as filmmakers we were moved by their ability and courage."



He says the mixture of Pacific Islanders, Pakeha and Maori also makes Spookers unique. "I don't think this kind of community could exist outside of New Zealand."

Spookers takes viewers inside and behind-the-scenes of the popular Auckland horror attraction.

Describing the film as a "huge joy to make", Habicht added that "every film is a miracle".

﻿​Spookers will debut at next month's Hot Docs festival in Canada. A New Zealand release is scheduled for later in the year.