Book· 1987· Drama

The Whale Rider

by Witi Ihimaera

The Whale Rider: 1 recorded work traces back to it.

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Whale Rider

Film · 2002

AdaptationMEDIUM

Witi Ihimaera's novel, adapted with the involvement of Ngati Konohi at Whangara, the community whose founding story of Paikea the film retells. Keisha Castle-Hughes was the youngest Best Actress nominee at the time.

About the work

The Whale Rider

As her beloved grandfather, chief of the Maori tribe of Whangara, New Zealand, struggles to lead in difficult times and to find a male successor, young Kahu is developing a mysterious relationship with whales, particularly the ancient bull whale whose legendary rider was their ancestor. The Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. In 2002 it was adapted into a film, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro.