Paikea Apirana – Whale Rider (2002)
Adapted for the screen by Niki Caro, from the book of the same name by Witi Ihimaera, Whale Rider tells the story of a 12 year old Maori girl who aspires to be leader of her tribe. The girl – Paikea Apirana, played by Keisha Castle-Hughes – faces generations of sexism as she works to prove her worthiness of the leadership role.
Her grandfather (Rawiri Paratene) is seeking his replacement as leader – a position that has traditionally fallen to the first-born grandson of the incumbent, thus maintaining a direct patrilineal hierarchy from the original, legendary Whale Rider, who rode a whale from Hawaiki. Pai is the first-born child, however, and is consistently discouraged and overlooked in the search process. Though she works to master all the requirements, it is not until she demonstrates her abilities and status by actually communicating with a whale that her grandfather and the tribe accept the fact that she is the best person for the job.
The writing of the character allows her to be an allegory for the fact that women, generally, need to prove themselves to a more exacting standard than men, to be considered for the same positions. She also highlights institutionalized sexism, and the history of misogyny that features in most cultures.
The beauty of Pai lies in her endurance and her determination to fulfil her destiny. It is a demonstration of confidence and faith in herself and her own knowledge and abilities – even in the face of denial from those closest to her.
