Emotional Premiere of Pike River Film Captivates Greymouth Audience

The premiere of the long-awaited film about the Pike River disaster took place on October 30, 2023, in Greymouth, New Zealand, drawing an emotional response from attendees. The event, held at the Regent Theatre, welcomed approximately 400 guests, including local residents and families of the 29 miners who lost their lives in the 2010 tragedy. The film focuses on the tireless advocacy of Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, portrayed by actresses Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm, respectively.

Lynskey, who returned to New Zealand for the premiere, expressed her 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 shared. She highlighted the unique experience of filming at the Pike River mine site, noting, “You feel the energy of it and the tragedy of it. It was hard, but also selfishly as an actor, you get information from being so close to it.”

Capturing a Fight for Justice

Osborne, whose husband Milton died in the disaster, described the film as a reflection of her friendship with Rockhouse and their 15-year journey for justice. She mentioned the upcoming decision on whether police would lay charges related to the incident, stating, “It’s finally coming.” The film aims to shed light on the ongoing struggle of the families affected by the disaster, allowing audiences to understand the depth of their fight for accountability.

The premiere also included a private viewing for the families of the victims the night before. Osborne remarked, “It felt like we were really validated by the families last night, which was huge for us because we were fighting for all 29.” The film serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of the tragedy on the community and the nation as a whole.

Rockhouse reflected on her admiration for Malcolm, who portrayed her in the film. She shared a personal anecdote, revealing that her late son Ben was a fan of Malcolm’s previous work in the television series *Outrageous Fortune*. “He would think it hysterical that Cheryl West is playing his mother,” she said.

Community Impact and Authenticity

Director Rob Sarkies emphasized the importance of authenticity throughout the film’s production, from involving the Pike families to filming on location in Greymouth. “This is ground zero of the Pike River story,” he stated, reinforcing the decision to premiere the film in the community most affected by the tragedy. The film had its world premiere at the Sydney International Film Festival earlier this year and has since gained significant attention.

The cast also included local community members and real Pike River drift runners, further enhancing the film’s connection to the region. Survivor Russell Smith, who attended the premiere with his wife on their wedding anniversary, acknowledged the emotional weight of the film, admitting, “I have a packet of tissues with me.”

Family representative on set Rowdy Durbridge, who lost his son Daniel in the disaster, commented positively on the film’s portrayal of the Pike River families, saying, “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 nationwide release in New Zealand on October 30, 2023, with public preview events scheduled in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. These events will include post-screening Q&As with Sarkies, cast members, and the families of the victims, allowing for further discussion about the film and its significance in New Zealand’s history.