Hi Reddit. I’m Rob Sarkies, New Zealand director of Pike River (starring the wonderful Mel Lynskey). Pike River is a drama that depicts a mining tragedy that affected an entire community and their fight for justice and accountability. It was made in close collaboration with the real subjects so questions around process of working with real people to tell their stories in a dramatic form might be of particular interest to some. But it's an AMA so happy to answer any questions at all, of course, including random questions about New Zealand! Can’t wait to connect with you all on Monday – Rob Sarkies
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YOnuqAzTj4
Synopsis:
On Nov. 19, 2010, a coal mine explosion in New Zealand kills Anna Osborne's husband and Sonya Rockhouse's son, along with 27 other men. The two women soon embark on a quest for truth and justice, leading to change they never thought possible.
The movie is out on digital now.
Ask me anything. I'll be back Monday 2/9 at 5 PM ET to answer questions.
by PikeRiverAMA
2 Comments
Hey Rob! Thanks for doing this AMA!
I’m not familiar with your work (yet) but I’ve read through your wiki page and one thing stood out to me as well as what you said here in your post: what’s your approach to making movies about real life events? How do you go about it? It seems like one of the most stressful things to me to represent a real life event in art rather than just something made up.
Also: what’s your favorite New Zealand animal? And why is it the kiwi?
Hi **Robert Sarkies**, thanks for doing this AMA 🙂
When making **Pike River**, what was the hardest emotional moment for you as a director?
Also, how was it working with **Melanie Lynskey** on such a serious and sensitive story?