Emotional Pike River Film Premieres with Red Carpet in Greymouth

The New Zealand premiere of the highly anticipated film about the Pike River disaster took place on October 30, 2023, at Greymouth’s Regent Theatre. The event, which featured a red carpet, drew approximately 400 attendees, including cast members, local residents, and families of the 29 miners who lost their lives in the 2010 tragedy. The evening was marked by emotional tributes and reflections on the fight for justice faced by the families.

Actress Melanie Lynskey, who portrayed Anna Osborne in the film, expressed her deep emotions while watching the premiere. “I feel on the verge of tears and fainting. I’ve chosen Greymouth to see it for the first time,” she shared. Lynskey, who resides in Los Angeles, emphasized the significance of the location, stating that it was an honour to return to New Zealand for the occasion.

The film chronicles the story of Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, whose son Ben also perished in the disaster. Both women have been pivotal in advocating for accountability and justice for the victims’ families. “It’s been a long journey now for about 15 years of seeking truth and justice,” Osborne remarked, highlighting that a decision on potential police charges is expected soon.

In a private viewing ahead of the public premiere, family members of the deceased miners gathered to watch the film. “It felt like we were really validated, to be honest, by the families last night,” Osborne said. The film’s portrayal of their struggles resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of the ongoing quest for justice.

Rockhouse shared her excitement about having Robyn Malcolm, a beloved actress known for her role in “Outrageous Fortune,” play her character. “I couldn’t believe that she was going to play me. Ben was also a massive fan of the show,” Rockhouse noted, adding that her son would have found it amusing to see Malcolm portray his mother.

Malcolm expressed hope that the film would spark outrage regarding the lack of accountability surrounding the avoidable deaths. “Sonya and Anna are national heroes but also have been through something so awful and so painful,” she said, underscoring the responsibility felt by the cast to represent their stories authentically.

Director Rob Sarkies emphasized the importance of authenticity throughout the filmmaking process. “The New Zealand premiere couldn’t really be anywhere else. This is where the Pike River story sadly happened,” he stated, reflecting on the commitment to bring the film back to the community most affected by the tragedy. The production involved real miners’ gear and local extras, including family members of the victims.

Survivor Russell Smith, who attended the premiere with his wife Jo on their wedding anniversary, acknowledged the difficulty of watching the film. “I have a packet of tissues with me,” he said. Meanwhile, Rowdy Durbridge, who lost his son Daniel Herk, played a significant role in the film’s production as a mining advisor and even as a driving double for actor Peter Tait. He praised the film for its respectful representation of the Pike River families and their experiences.

The film’s world premiere occurred earlier at the Sydney International Film Festival in June, and it will be released in cinemas nationwide on October 30, 2023. There will also be several public preview events featuring post-screening Q&As in major cities, including Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, providing opportunities for audiences to engage further with the film’s themes and the real-life stories behind it.

As the film prepares for its wider release, the emotions surrounding the Pike River disaster continue to resonate deeply within the community, reminding viewers of the ongoing pursuit for justice and the importance of remembering those who lost their lives.