In My Father's Den is a 2004 New Zealand drama film directed by Brad McGann and based on the novel of the same name by Maurice Gee. The film stars Matthew Macfadyen as Paul Prior, the war journalist who returns to his hometown and Emily Barclay as Celia Steimer, the sixteen-year-old girl who becomes friends with him.
The film is set in the remote town of Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island. Paul returns to his hometown after the death of his father and decides to stay in his father's den to work on his memoirs. He soon meets Celia, who is a talented photographer and dreams of leaving the town to pursue her passion. Despite their age difference, they develop a close bond and Paul encourages her to pursue her dreams.
However, their friendship is viewed with suspicion by both their families and the town's residents. When Celia goes missing, Paul becomes the prime suspect and is persecuted by the town's people. As the search for Celia intensifies, dark secrets from Paul's past come to light and he is forced to confront the truth about his family and his own life.
The film received critical acclaim for its powerful performances, gripping storyline, and haunting cinematography. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Film at the New Zealand Film and TV Awards and Best Script at the BFI London Film Festival.