Whale Rider
The Whangara people on New Zealand's east coast believe their presence extends back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who survived a canoe capsize by riding a whale to shore. Whangara leaders were then regarded Paikea's direct offspring, always male firstborns. Pai, an 11-year-old girl from a patriarchal tribe in New Zealand, believes she will be the next chief. But her grandfather Koro is obligated to chose a man. Pai adores Koro, but she must overcome him and a thousand years of tradition to accomplish her destiny.
Released: 2003-01-30