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.

Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YOnuqAzTj4

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 Fiona Samuel (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.

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