Feature Film
Whale Rider
2002
Filmed In
Gisborne / East Coast
Towns & Areas
Whāngārā
The Story
A deeply moving, globally acclaimed drama based on Witi Ihimaera's novel. It tells the story of Kahu, a young Māori girl who must fight against centuries of patriarchal tradition to fulfill her destiny as the new chief of her tribe.
The Stars
Keisha Castle-Hughes (who earned a historic Oscar nomination at just 13) and Rawiri Paratene.
Behind the Lens
Niki Caro. Caro adapted Witi Ihimaera's novel with close involvement from the local Ngāti Konohi community depicted in the story.
Why NZ?
The film is a pure celebration of Ngāti Porou culture. It was filmed exactly where the story is set: the stunning, isolated coastal village of Whāngārā on the East Coast of the North Island, infusing the movie with deep, authentic local spirit. Filming in the real community, rather than a studio recreation, is part of what gives the film its lasting sense of authenticity.
On Set
Keisha Castle-Hughes reportedly told casting directors she could swim well enough for the role when she couldn't, determined not to miss the part. Julia Roberts later personally campaigned for her Best Actress Oscar nomination, which Castle-Hughes received at age 13. Producer John Barnett has said filming anywhere but the real Whangara "would almost have been heresy." Filming there rather than elsewhere shaped nearly every creative decision that followed.
Legacy
Adapted from Witi Ihimaera's novel, the film won the Audience Award at Sundance, and Keisha Castle-Hughes became, at the time, one of the youngest Best Actress Oscar nominees in Academy history.
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