Boy, a 1980s-set coming-of-age story, has moved past the previous record holder, The World’s Fastest Indian, with a box office now passing $7m.

New Zealand film Boy is officially a homegrown hit, now becoming the top-grossing New Zealand film of all time.

Boy, a 1980s-set coming-of-age story, has moved past the previous record holder, The World’s Fastest Indian, with a box office now passing $7m.

Boy opened March 25 and has broken the record in just eight weeks (Indian took 46 weeks to reach that level).

Writer, director and star of Boy, Taika Waititi said: “I’m very proud. There isn’t really much to say on the subject other than I’m extremely pleased and proud and so happy New Zealanders are choosing local content over the bigger blockbusters. Shogun is pleased.”

Trasmission Films released on 54 screens, now upped to 75 screens.

The film was financed by the NZ Film Fund, NZ Film Commission, Unison Films, NZ On Air, Maori Television Station and Te Mangai Paho.