Whale Rider
The Whangara people on New Zealand's east coast believe their existence extends back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who survived a canoe capsize by riding a whale to shore. Whangara leaders were then regarded Paikea's direct offspring, always male first-borns. 11-year-old Pai believes she will be the next chief in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe. But her grandfather Koro must choose a male leader. Pai adores Koro, but she must battle him and a thousand years of tradition to accomplish her destiny.
Released: 2003-01-30