Drama / Family
New Zealand / Germany,
2002, 105 min
Directed by:
Niki CaroScreenplay:
Niki CaroCinematography:
Leon NarbeyComposer:
Lisa GerrardCast:
Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Tammy Davis, John Sumner, Taungaroa Emile, Jane O'KanePlots(1)
On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny. (Madman Entertainment)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 2004 - Keisha Castle-Hughes (Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role)
Independent Spirit Awards
- 2004 - Niki Caro (Best International Film)
British Independent Film Awards (BIFA)
- 2003 - Best Foreign Independent - Foreign Language
Critics Choice Awards
- 2004 - Keisha Castle-Hughes (Best Young Actor/Actress)
- 2004 - Best Family Film
Toronto International Film Festival
- 2002 - Niki Caro (People's Choice Award)
Sundance Film Festival
- 2003 - Niki Caro (Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic)
San Sebastián International Film Festival
- 2002 - Niki Caro (Golden Shell for Best Film)