This award-winning film, Whale Rider, is set on the stunning coast of New Zealand among the Whangara people – a tribe that traces their line back to a single ancestor called Paikea.
The legend tells that one day, when Paikea’s canoe capsized in the ocean, he rides safely back to shore on the back of a whale. Ever since that day, the Whangara chiefs – always first-born males – have been considered Paikea’s direct descendants. The chieftancy has been handed down from father to son for 1000 years.
But the current tribal chief – a stubborn and proud man named Koro – encounters a serious problem when his son refuses the role as his successor. Determined to save his people, he sets out to train and identify a young male to become the next anointed leader – not an easy task in an increasingly modern and alienated society.
But there is a twist: his 11 year-old granddaughter, Pai, believes that she is called to be his successor . Her anointing soon becomes obvious to other family members – but not to Koro. The deep love between them is threatened as Pai fights both her grandfather and 1000 years of patriarchal tribal tradition to fulfill her calling.
To view the Whale Rider trailer click here
As always, we’ll hang out after the film to discuss what we’ve seen.
Kids are always welcome at movie nights. If you don’t feel that Whale Rider is age- appropriate for your child, we do have a kids’ room where they can play games or watch their own videos.
Don’t forget to bring snacks to share and we’ll make big bowls of popcorn to pass around.
In short:
What: Whale Rider
When: Saturday April 4th @ 6 pm
Where: Ancient Path house
What: Bring snacks to share
Hope to see you there!