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Whale Rider
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Synopsis
Based on the novel of the same name by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider is a unique family drama directed Niki Caro. On the eastern coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea. This tradition is challenged when a young mother dies in childbirth along with her newborn male son. His twin sister manages to survive and the father (Cliff Curtis) runs off, overwhelmed with grief. The little girl, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), is brought up by stubborn grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) and gentle grandmother Nanny (Vicky Haughton). Koro, the chief of their tribe, is disappointed because Pai's twin brother was supposed to be the next leader. Trying to find the proper successor, he attempts to organize a leadership group amongst the local boys while Pai enlists the help of her has-been uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa) to teach herself the art of chiefdom. She appears to possess a natural leadership ability and adventurous spirit that draws her to the proliferation of her faltering tribe. Whale Rider premiered at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and won the World Cinema Audience Award. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Cast

Vicky Haughton Nanny Flowers
Rawiri Paratene Koro
Cliff Curtis Porourangi
Keisha Castle-Hughes Pai
Grant Roa Rawiri
Grant Roa Uncle Rawiri
Rawinia Clarke Miro

Production Crew

Grace Mock Art Director
Witi Ihimaera Book Author
Diana Rowan Casting
Leon Narby Cinematographer
Lisa Gerrard Composer (Music Score)
Kirsty Cameron Costume Designer
Niki Caro Director
David Coulson Editor
Bill Gavin Executive Producer
Linda Goldstein-Knowlton Executive Producer
Liz Tan First Assistant Director
Frank Hübner Producer
John Barnett Producer
Tim Sanders Producer
Grant Major Production Designer
Niki Caro Screenwriter
Dave Madigan Sound/Sound Designer
Year: 2002
Runtime: 105
Country: New Zealand
MPAA Rating: PG13
for brief language and a momentary drug reference
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama

Produced by
A the Works Ltd.
Apollo Media
Pandora Film
South Pacific Pictures

Release
June 06, 2003 (USA - Limited)
by Newmarket Films

Awards
2002 - AGF People's Choice Award - Toronto International Film Festival
2003 - Audience Award - San Francisco International Film Festiv
2003 - Audience Award for Best Feature - Maui Film Festival
2003 - Best Film Audience Award - Seattle International Film Festival
2003 - Best Foreign Film - Independent Spirit Award
2003 - Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking - National Board of Review
2003 - World Cinema Audience Award - Sundance Film Festival
2003 - Audience Award - Maui Film Festival
2003 - Audience Award - San Francisco International Film Festiv
2003 - Best Foreign Film - Independent Spirit Awards