Despite working with Kiwi filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi on his latest flick Jojo Rabbit - which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday - actress Scarlett Johansson is puzzled by the infamous Kiwi humour.

Speaking to media on the red carpet for the film, Johansson admitted she had no understanding of what Kiwis found funny, nor would she ever presume to know.

She said the type of humour down under was "totally weird", like Waititi.

"A bit like Taika, totally weird, but totally awesome," she told Seven Sharpreporter Tamati Rimene-Sproat.

Johansson stars alongside Waititi and Kiwi actress Thomasin McKenzie, as well as Sam Rockwell, Stephen Merchant and Rebel Wilson.

Waititi described the film as a "love letter to mothers, especially solo mothers".

At the premiere at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Waititi's flick received a two-minute standing ovation, and his performance as Hitler in the anti-hate satire received plenty of cheers.

"The core of the story is the young boy who has been indoctrinated and has to learn," said Waititi, who directed, wrote, starred and produced the film.