Emotional Pike River Movie Premieres in Greymouth with Red Carpet Event

The emotional premiere of the Pike River movie took place on October 30, 2023, at Greymouth’s Regent Theatre, drawing approximately 400 attendees. The event featured a red carpet launch and was attended by the film’s stars, local residents, and families of the 29 miners who tragically lost their lives in the 2010 Pike River disaster.

Actress Melanie Lynskey, who plays Anna Osborne in the film, expressed her deep emotions during the screening. “I feel on the verge of tears and fainting. I’ve chosen Greymouth to see it for the first time,” she said. Lynskey noted the unique experience of filming at the Pike River mine site, where she felt the “energy” and “tragedy” of the location.

The film highlights the fight for justice and accountability led by Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, whose son Ben died in the disaster. It aims to capture the essence of their long journey, which now approaches a critical moment as a decision on potential police charges is expected within the coming month. “It’s been a long journey now for about 15 years. We’ve lived this journey of seeking truth and justice, so it’s finally coming,” Osborne shared.

In a private viewing the night before the public premiere, the families were able to watch the film together. “It felt like we were really validated, to be honest, by the families last night,” Osborne said. “This is a part of New Zealand’s history, and New Zealand deserves to see behind the scenes of finding justice.”

As the film portrays the stories of the families, Rockhouse reflected on the significance of the casting choices. She expressed her admiration for Robyn Malcolm, who plays her character. “I couldn’t believe that she was going to play me. Ben was also a massive fan of Outrageous Fortune,” she said, adding a personal note about her son’s affection for the series.

Malcolm highlighted the responsibility felt by the cast in telling this important story. “Sonya and Anna are national heroes but also have been through something so awful and painful,” she explained. She emphasized the significance of premiering the film in Greymouth, saying, “You can just feel it in the hills. Knowing that all those years ago, there were cries of anguish.”

The film’s director, Rob Sarkies, underscored the importance of authenticity in the production. He noted that involving the Pike families and filming on location were top priorities. “The New Zealand premiere couldn’t really be anywhere else,” Sarkies stated. The film had its world premiere earlier at the Sydney International Film Festival in June.

Survivor Russell Smith, who attended the premiere with his wife Jo on their wedding anniversary, acknowledged the emotional weight of watching the film. “I have a packet of tissues with me,” he remarked as he entered the theatre. Rowdy Durbridge, who lost his son Daniel Herk in the explosion, served as a family representative on set. He contributed to the production as a mining advisor and even as a driving double for actor Peter Tait.

The film is set to be released in cinemas nationwide on October 30, 2023, with several public preview events scheduled. These events will include post-screening Q&A sessions featuring Sarkies, cast members, and the families represented in the film. The premieres will take place in major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington over the following days.

As the community reflects on this significant chapter in New Zealand’s history, the Pike River movie strives to honor the memories of those lost while advocating for accountability and justice.