Emotional Premiere of Pike River Movie Captivates Greymouth Audience

The highly anticipated premiere of the Pike River movie 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, families of the 29 miners who lost their lives in the 2010 disaster, and the film’s stars.

Actress Melanie Lynskey, who portrays Anna Osborne, expressed her heartfelt connection to the film. “I feel on the verge of tears and fainting. I’ve chosen Greymouth to see it for the first time,” she shared, highlighting the emotional weight of the premiere. Lynskey’s return to her homeland for this event underscored the significance of the story, which focuses on the struggle for justice following the tragic incident at the Pike River mine.

Capturing the Fight for Justice

The film chronicles the efforts of Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, whose husband and son, respectively, were among the victims. Rockhouse noted that the movie aptly represents their long journey towards accountability. “It’s been a long journey now for about 15 years…so it’s finally coming,” she said, referring to an impending decision on potential police charges related to the disaster.

In a private screening prior to the public premiere, families of the victims were invited to view the film. Osborne remarked on the importance of this experience, stating, “It felt like we were really validated, to be honest, by the families last night, which was huge for us because we were fighting for all 29.” She emphasized that the film serves as a vital part of New Zealand’s history, shedding light on a tragic event that deeply impacted the community.

The film’s director, Rob Sarkies, emphasized authenticity in the production process, which included filming on location in Greymouth. He stated, “The New Zealand premiere couldn’t really be anywhere else…this is ground zero of the Pike River story.” The use of original miners’ gear and local community members as extras helped to create a genuine representation of the tragedy.

A Community United Through Tragedy

Among the attendees was Russell Smith, a survivor of the Pike River disaster, who attended the premiere with his wife Jo on their wedding anniversary. He admitted that watching the film would be challenging, saying, “I have a packet of tissues with me.”

Another prominent figure, Rowdy Durbridge, who lost his son in the explosion, contributed to the film’s production as a mining advisor and a driving double. Durbridge expressed satisfaction with the film’s portrayal of the Pike River families, stating, “I really liked it. It didn’t include a lot of the nastiness. I support anything that puts Pike out there.”

The emotional resonance of the film was further amplified by the bond formed between Lynskey and her co-star Robyn Malcolm, who plays Rockhouse. Both actresses got matching tattoos to commemorate their shared experience during the production.

The Pike River movie had its world premiere earlier at the Sydney International Film Festival in June. Following its release on October 30, it will feature several public preview events across New Zealand, including post-screening Q&As with Sarkies, cast members, and the families of the victims, fostering a deeper connection with audiences.

As the film prepares to reach a wider audience, it aims not only to tell a tragic story but also to ignite conversations about accountability and remembrance in the face of such loss.