Most Kiwis remember exactly where they were and how they felt when news broke about the Pike River mining disaster.
Now, a new film is bringing the horror of November 19th, 2010 - and everything that followed - to the big screen.
'Pike River' tells the story of the explosion, but more importantly, the impact the accident and its aftermath had on the families of the 28 men who died in the mine.
At the heart of the film are Anna Osborne (played by Melanie Lynskey) and Sonya Rockhouse (played by Robyn Malcolm), two women who lost their loved ones.
They share the years that followed, becoming the voices for all the Pike River families fighting for the recovery of their family members, and creating a strong friendship in the process.
The trailer is goosebump-inducing from the very first moments, as we watch the men heading off to work, share in the heartbreak as families receive the news, and following the battle that came next.
Director Rob Sarkies said the film was created in close collaboration with many of the victims’ families.
“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,” he said.
He hopes the film gives “New Zealanders an insight into the determination of these families and an understanding of what they went through, and why”.
‘Pike River’ will have its world premiere at the Sydney Film Festival on June 7, with some Pike River families expected to attend alongside cast and crew.
