Based on Maori writer Witi Ihimaera's novel, this 2002 film details a girl's dream of becoming chief of her tribe
[DOC] [TLE] P R E S S K I T - New Zealand Film Commission [PAR] Based on the book 'The Whale Rider' by Witi Ihimaera ... Koro, the chief, is 
convinced that the the tribe's misfortunes began at Pai's birth ... it for the screen 
from the novel by award-winning New Zealand writer WITI ... has become this 
iconic young girl who is desperately trying to seek her own ....