‘Pike River' trailer released, first screening in Sydney
Robyn Malcolm takes on the role of Sonya Rockhouse in the movie Pike River. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Greymouth is set to host the New Zealand premiere of the upcoming Pike River film this October, although it will screen first at the Sydney Film Festival next week.
The trailer for the film was released yesterday, offering a glimpse into a retelling of the events leading up to the November 2010 explosion that killed 29 men underground at the Pike River coalmine, and the long battle the families of the miners have faced since.
The New Zealand movie opens locally on October 30.
New Zealand actresses Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men, Yellowjackets, The Last of Us, Heavenly Creatures) and Robyn Malcolm (After the Party, Far North, Outrageous Fortune) play Anna Osborne (Lynskey) and Sonya Rockhouse (Malcolm), who both lost their loved ones in the disaster and became leading voices in the long fight for truth and accountability.
The film also features Lucy Lawless (Xena, My Life is Murder) as unionist Helen Kelly, and Tim Gordon (The Kick) as Pike families spokesman Bernie Monk.
Pike River was partly shot on location in Greymouth in 2023, and some families were closely involved in the production. The film is supported by the Families Committee and Families Reference Group.
Film-makers say they have chosen to premiere the movie in Greymouth to honour the community at the heart of the story, though it will have its world premiere in Sydney on June 7, as a "special presentation" at the 2000-seat State Theatre.
Some Pike River families from New Zealand and Australia will be attending that screening, along with members of the cast and crew.
Melanie Lynskey stars as Anna Osborne.
Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson watched the trailer yesterday morning.
"It's going to be an emotional time — watching the trailer was hard in itself."
The film would be good for the community to see, 15 years on.
"I'm sure there will be some mixed emotions around."
Director Rob Sarkies, originally from Dunedin, commented: "After working closely for more than five years with many of the Pike River families it's gratifying to be sharing the first glimpse of the film. I hope Pike River will give New Zealanders an insight into the determination of these families and an understanding of what they went through, and why.
"Melanie and Robyn have done an extraordinary job capturing Anna and Sonya's inspiring friendship that transformed them into leaders for their community." — Greymouth Star
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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
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‘Pike River' trailer released, first screening in Sydney
Robyn Malcolm takes on the role of Sonya Rockhouse in the movie Pike River. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Greymouth is set to host the New Zealand premiere of the upcoming Pike River film this October, although it will screen first at the Sydney Film Festival next week. The trailer for the film was released yesterday, offering a glimpse into a retelling of the events leading up to the November 2010 explosion that killed 29 men underground at the Pike River coalmine, and the long battle the families of the miners have faced since. The New Zealand movie opens locally on October 30. New Zealand actresses Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men, Yellowjackets, The Last of Us, Heavenly Creatures) and Robyn Malcolm (After the Party, Far North, Outrageous Fortune) play Anna Osborne (Lynskey) and Sonya Rockhouse (Malcolm), who both lost their loved ones in the disaster and became leading voices in the long fight for truth and accountability. The film also features Lucy Lawless (Xena, My Life is Murder) as unionist Helen Kelly, and Tim Gordon (The Kick) as Pike families spokesman Bernie Monk. Pike River was partly shot on location in Greymouth in 2023, and some families were closely involved in the production. The film is supported by the Families Committee and Families Reference Group. Film-makers say they have chosen to premiere the movie in Greymouth to honour the community at the heart of the story, though it will have its world premiere in Sydney on June 7, as a "special presentation" at the 2000-seat State Theatre. Some Pike River families from New Zealand and Australia will be attending that screening, along with members of the cast and crew. Melanie Lynskey stars as Anna Osborne. Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson watched the trailer yesterday morning. "It's going to be an emotional time — watching the trailer was hard in itself." The film would be good for the community to see, 15 years on. "I'm sure there will be some mixed emotions around." Director Rob Sarkies, originally from Dunedin, commented: "After working closely for more than five years with many of the Pike River families it's gratifying to be sharing the first glimpse of the film. I hope Pike River will give New Zealanders an insight into the determination of these families and an understanding of what they went through, and why. "Melanie and Robyn have done an extraordinary job capturing Anna and Sonya's inspiring friendship that transformed them into leaders for their community." — Greymouth Star
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Pike River film premieres trailer ahead of October release
New Zealand audiences will get their first glimpse of the Pike River film, with the official trailer released ahead of its arrival in theatres this October. The film follows the aftermath of the Pike River mine disaster that killed 29 men on November 19, 2010. It tells the true story of two women, Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, who lost loved ones and became central voices in the families' fight for justice. The roles are portrayed by Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm respectively, two of the country's most respected actors. ADVERTISEMENT The film also features Lucy Lawless as union leader Helen Kelly, and Tim Gordon as the Pike River families' spokesperson Bernie Monk. Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm as Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse. (Source: Supplied) Director Rob Sarkies said it was "gratifying" to share the first glimpse of the film after five years of working closely with many of the Pike River families. "I hope Pike River will give New Zealanders an insight into the determination of these families and an understanding of what they went through, and why. "Melanie and Robyn have done an extraordinary job capturing Anna and Sonya's inspiring friendship that transformed them into leaders for their community." Filming took place primarily in Greymouth, with additional shoots in Wellington and Auckland. The film's world premiere will take place at the Sydney Film Festival on June 7 as a Special Presentation, followed by a New Zealand premiere in Greymouth on October 30. ADVERTISEMENT Some Pike River families from New Zealand and Australia will be in attendance along with members of the cast and crew.
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Trailer Released For Kiwi Feature Film Pike River Ahead Of Nationwide Cinema Release On October 30
Aotearoa audiences will get the first look at one of the year's most anticipated local films, with the official trailer for Pike River released today. The powerful drama, based on the November 2010 Pike River Mine tragedy that took the lives of 29 men underground, will open in cinemas nationwide on October 30, 2025. The trailer offers a glimpse into the strength of performances from an all-star New Zealand cast. Pike River marks three-time Emmy nominee Melanie Lynskey's (Yellowjackets, The Last of Us, Heavenly Creatures) homecoming to work on a New Zealand feature, working alongside BAFTA nominated NZ actress Robyn Malcolm (After the Party, Far North, Outrageous Fortune). The film also features Lucy Lawless (Xena, My Life Is Murder) as Helen Kelly, and Tim Gordon (The Kick) as Pike families spokesperson Bernie Monk. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rob Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Scarfies), Pike River tells the true story of Anna Osborne (Melanie Lynskey) and Sonya Rockhouse (Robyn Malcolm) – two women who lost their loved ones in the disaster and became leading voices in the families' long fight for truth and accountability. Pike River was filmed on location in Greymouth, Wellington and Auckland. Pike River families have been closely involved in the production from its inception with the film supported by the Families Committee and Families Reference Group. Prominent Pike family members Sonya Rockhouse and Anna Osborne, whose friendship the film focuses on, have endorsed the film. The New Zealand premiere of Pike River is set to be held in Māwhera Greymouth in October, honouring the community at the heart of the story. The film will have its World Premiere at Sydney Film Festival on June 7, as a 'Special Presentation' at the 2,000 seat State Theatre. Some Pike River families from New Zealand and Australia will be in attendance along with members of the cast and crew. Director Rob Sarkies commented: 'After working closely for more than five years with many of the Pike River families it's gratifying to be sharing the first glimpse of the film. I hope Pike River will give New Zealanders an insight into the determination of these families and an understanding of what they went through, and why. Melanie and Robyn have done an extraordinary job capturing Anna and Sonya's inspiring friendship that transformed them into leaders for their community.' Written by (Consent, Bliss, Piece of My Heart), Pike River was produced by Vicky Pope (Savage, Went Up The Hill, Gardening with Soul) and Timothy White (Muru, Out of the Blue The Dark Horse) with Executive Producers Melanie Lynskey, Robyn Malcolm, Paul Wiegard, Paul Gough, James Dean, Jennifer Sutton, Doug Gold, William Watson, Ella Field, Elizabeth Williams and Rob Sarkies. Madman will distribute theatrically in New Zealand and Australia, with Capture Entertainment handling international sales. The film has been made in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Signature Entertainment, Park Road Post Production, Fulcrum Media Finance, Madman and Nude Run.
