“The genius of the movie is the way it sidesteps all of the obvious cliches of the underlying story and makes itself fresh, observant, tough and genuinely moving.” - Roger Ebert

Only males are allowed to ascend to chiefdom in a Maori tribe in New Zealand. This ancient custom is upset when the child selected to be the next chief dies at birth. However his twin sister, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), survives. At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother and the training of her uncle to claim her birthright. But to break with convention, she'll have to do the impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather.

Whale Rider
Dir: Niki Caro
101 min
2002
Rated G
Film starts at 9:15 pm

Music by Paisley Eva begins at 7pm
Stand up comedy by Keith “Bubbas” Nahanee at 8pm

About Deckchair Cinema
You are invited to enjoy classic films under the stars on Cates Deck in front of the Gallery. Now in its second year, Deckchair Cinema treats audiences to a summer of al fresco film screenings. Hosted for 10 Thursdays beginning June 29, the screenings commence at sunset, and will be complemented by music and entertainment leading up to curtain time. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and make themselves comfortable by bringing their own blankets or low chairs. An outdoor Meet the Makers market, curated by lifestyle brand OCIN, will feature drinks from local wineries and breweries, which can be enjoyed on Cates Deck, a public zone for alcohol consumption. Admission to Deckchair Cinema is by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group ($10 per guest is recommended), and includes access to the Gallery’s summer exhibition Jeremy Shaw: Phase Shifting Index.

View the full Deckchair Cinema lineup