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In a small New Zealand coastal town, a young Maori girl must overcome centuries of patriarchal traditions to claim her birthright. In the ways of the ancients she finds hope for the future.

Whale Rider tells the story of one girl, one family and one people — told simply against a stunning natural setting in a far away place. But the story and its lessons go beyond the Maori people, crossing cultures and oceans to a place where we all reside — ourselves. Whale Rider teaches us that leadership can come from surprising sources, that it should not be restrictive or inhibited by race, gender, country, nationality or religion. Its most important lesson is that what we become in life must begin with a dream within our own hearts.

We hope you enjoy this excellent film, and use the content, activities and information provided to further explore the themes of Whale Rider, and to begin your own exploration of your family's culture, heritage and tradition.

Whale Rider Film Facts

Airdate: 9 PM Sunday, July 24, 2005 (check local listings). A short documentary, "Riding the Wave: The Making of Whale Rider" follows the film featuring interviews with Academy Award-nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes and author Witi Ihimaera.

PBS stations may air up to three repeats through September 24, 2005. Please check with your local PBS station for additional viewing opportunities. Whale Rider is also available on VHS and DVD, and at your local library.

Presented By: Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) and PBS.

Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Paikea (Pai); Rawiri Paratene as Pai's grandfather, Koro; Vicky Haughton as Flowers, Pai's grandmother, and Cliff Curtis as Pai's father, Porourangi.

Rated: PG-13, Parental Guidance Suggested for brief language and a momentary drug reference. Some scenes may not be suitable for children under seven.

Book: The film is based on the novel, Whale Rider, by award-winning Maori author Witi Ihimaera. Read the interview with Mr. Ihimaera at www.piccom.org/whalerider/thebook and read how his daughters inspired the novel.

The Setting:
Set in the present day in the small coastal town of Whangara, New Zealand.

The Characters:
Paikea (Pai): the young girl is the central character. Her family are the other main characters: Koro (her grandfather), Nanny Flowers (her grandmother), Porourangi (her Father) and her uncle Rawiri. Keisha Castle-Hughes, the girl who plays Pai, was chosen from thousands of girls in an extensive national search.

The Narrative Focus:
Stays with Paikea and Koro throughout the film.

The Whale Rider Story:
In a small New Zealand coastal village, Maori claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. In every generation, a male heir has succeeded to the chiefly title. The time is now. When twins are born, and the boy twin dies, Koro, the chief, is unable to accept his granddaughter, Pai, as the future leader. Koro is convinced that the tribe's misfortunes began at Pai's birth and calls for his people to bring their sons to him, sure that a new leader will be revealed. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight both him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.

The Girl Scout Connection:

Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) and the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have joined together to create a national outreach campaign and interactive web experience around the broadcast of Whale Rider. The campaign encourages Girl Scouts ages 8 to 17 to reach their full potential by exploring the film's themes of empowerment, leadership and nature. Many of the featured activities include a "Girl Scout Connection," which lists related resources and awards Girl Scouts, groups and troops can earn. For more information about these, visit your local Girl Scout council shop, go to www.girlscouts.org, or call 1-800-221-6707.




Whale Rider is a presentation of:Whale Rider is a PBS Program Club pick:



Primary support of PIC is provided by:National Outreach Partner: