Emotional Premiere of Pike River Film Captivates Greymouth Audience

The New Zealand premiere of the film “Pike River” took place on October 30, 2023, at the Regent Theatre in Greymouth, drawing a crowd of approximately 400 attendees. This emotional event showcased the story of the 2010 Pike River mining disaster, which claimed the lives of 29 men. The film focuses on the fight for justice led by Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, whose real-life experiences are portrayed by actresses Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm.

The premiere served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy, with Lynskey expressing her deep emotional connection to the project. “I feel on the verge of tears and fainting. I’ve chosen Greymouth to see it for the first time,” she remarked, highlighting the significance of returning to her home country for this occasion. The actress noted that filming at the Pike River mine site was both challenging and enlightening, stating, “You feel the energy of it and the tragedy of it.”

Capturing the Fight for Justice

Osborne shared her thoughts on the film, emphasizing its portrayal of her friendship with Rockhouse and their collective quest for accountability. The families of the victims are awaiting a decision from the police regarding potential charges, expected in the coming month. “It’s been a long journey now for about 15 years we’ve lived this journey of seeking truth and justice,” Osborne added. She expressed gratitude for the private viewing held for the families prior to the public premiere, stating, “It felt like we were really validated by the families last night.”

Rockhouse expressed her admiration for Malcolm, saying, “I couldn’t believe that she was going to play me.” She recalled her son Ben’s fondness for Malcolm’s character in the television series “Outrageous Fortune,” highlighting the personal connection to the film. Malcolm, in turn, acknowledged the weight of responsibility in portraying the experiences of the families. “Sonya and Anna are national heroes,” she said, emphasizing the need for the film to evoke a sense of outrage over the lack of accountability for the miners’ deaths.

A Community’s Connection to the Story

Director Rob Sarkies underscored the importance of authenticity in the film, stating that it was essential to involve the Pike families and film on location in Greymouth. “The New Zealand premiere couldn’t really be anywhere else. This is where the Pike River story sadly happened,” he remarked. The production utilized original miners’ gear and featured community members as extras, further grounding the film in its historical context.

Attendees included survivor Russell Smith, who attended the premiere with his wife Jo on their wedding anniversary. Smith acknowledged the emotional weight of watching the film, admitting, “I have a packet of tissues with me.” Another poignant presence was Rowdy Durbridge, who lost his son Daniel Herk in the disaster and served as a representative for the families on set. He expressed satisfaction with the film, stating, “I really liked it. It didn’t include a lot of the nastiness. I support anything that puts Pike out there.”

The film “Pike River” is set for a nationwide release in New Zealand on October 30, 2023. Public preview events are scheduled in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, featuring post-screening Q&A sessions with Sarkies, cast members, and the families of the victims. The premiere in Greymouth not only celebrated the film but also served as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who lost their lives in the Pike River mining disaster.