Pike River’s Emotional and Rewarding Opening Week

Pike River, directed by Rob Sarkies (DEGANZ) and edited by fellow member Peter Roberts, has had a well-deserved, smashing opening week. Not only has the feature grossed half a million at the box office, but it has also touched the hearts of audiences and earned a stream of positive reviews.

Dame Gaylene Preston reviewed the film for RNZ, saying,

This is mature filmmaking in the hands of a committed director with experience and empathy. The mark of a good director is that everyone does their best work, in front and behind the camera. […] The domestic world of the families become somehow elevated, as the personal experiences of Sonya Rockhouse and Anna Osbourne become central and heroic.

Rob, along with writer Fiona Samuel and the women behind the story, Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, have been travelling the motu for a series of screenings and Q&As. While celebrating the film and the creative team behind it, Rob maintains focus on Anna and Sonya’s ongoing story. As the film earns its fair share of applause and congratulations, the women receive it in equal parts, if not more, with teary-eyed standing ovations.

Congratulations to Rob, Peter, and the whole Pike River team on the successful release!

You can find a screening of Pike River near you here (remember to bring tissues)!

Last updated on 6 November 2025