In interviews, Anna Osborne always speaks first. It’s a routine she has been perfecting with Sonya Rockhouse for the last fifteen years, and it was no different at Auckland’s 'Pike River' premiere. 

Anna and Sonya had already seen the film a few times, having been closely involved with the production from the start. Anna's husband Milton and Sonya's son Ben were two of the 29 men who died when the Pike River mine exploded in November 2010. 

The film, directed by Rob Sarkies, tells the story of the pair’s battle to bring their loved ones home and the friendship they formed along the way. 

Anna told rova the biggest privilege was watching 'Pike River' at the Greymouth premiere this week. She was overwhelmed by the community’s support. 

"They've embraced us right from day one," she said. "To see most of them who came up to the picket-line and stayed with us at the occupation, there last night, was really quite humbling”. 

The picket-line story, where the victims' families and other communities occupied the gates outside the mine, is one best left for the film to tell - but it was beautifully depicted by lead actresses Melanie Lynskey (Anna) and Robyn Malcolm (Sonya). 

In fact, Sonya says the entire cast was met with thunderous applause. 

“You can tell when people are just, you know, feigning interest - you can feel it," she said. "But they actually get it… I mean, they've been studying us.”

That much was evident throughout the film. Director Rob Sarkies worked with producer Vicky Pope to film most of the scenes on site in Greymouth. Real clothing and gear from the mine were incorporated where possible. 

Perhaps most importantly, Anna and Sonya formed a close bond with Melanie and Robyn, sharing their lived experience and their grief. 

The pair has spent fifteen years fighting for answers and the chance to bury their loved ones, having been catapulted between courtrooms and let down again and again by empty promises. Yet, somehow, it’s not over.

In 2013, 12 health and safety-related charges against Pike River Coal’s chief executive Peter Whittall were dropped. Instead of a verdict, the victim’s families were handed a payout of $3.41 million. 

The Wellington High Court will now decide if the deal was unlawful, freeing Whitall from accountability.

Anna is determined to see justice for the men who lost their lives. 

“They didn’t die - they were killed in their workplace," she said. 

To walk away without charging anybody with their deaths is disgusting. We owe it to our men to see that justice is served.

Sonya added, “Hopefully, the powers that be are listening to some of what’s being said. Hopefully they’ll go and see the movie. Hopefully they'll make the right decision, and by Christmas, fingers crossed, we might have a decision. The right decision.”

If all else fails, Anna promises they’ll put on their big girl pants once again and do whatever it takes - even if it means more picketing. 

'Pike River' will be released in cinemas nationwide on October 30th.