Whale Rider - videos, teasers and stills from filming

All videos, teasers and footage from the filming of the film "Whale Rider"

Whale Rider (2003)

Timing: 1:41 (101 min)

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All about film

Video 2

Photo 15

Actors and characters

English

2:17

English

2:11

10,000 people auditioned for the child roles in the film.
The film was shot in Whangarei, New Zealand, where the novel is set. Local residents were used as actors and extras.
The whales in the film are a combination of real whales, life-size models, and digital technology.
A significant part of the film focuses on Paikea engaging in activities common among the Māori people, activities traditionally performed by men (such as canoeing or wrestling). When actress Keisha Castle-Hughes performed these tasks, the other actors and crew members recited special Māori incantations to ensure her safety. The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.
During the film auditions, Keisha Castle-Hughes stated that she knew how to swim. It turned out this wasn't true only when filming began on scenes requiring her character to swim. A stunt double performed those scenes in her place.
Director and screenwriter Niki Caro insisted that Keisha Castle-Hughes go barefoot throughout the entire shoot – even off-camera. This was necessary for a more complete immersion into the role (Māori always go barefoot).

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