Film Documents Pike River Families' Efforts for Justice
A film documents the years-long efforts by grieving families to seek justice following the Pike River mining disaster in New Zealand, which killed 29 men in 2010. The drama provides an account of their fight.
The film begins with scenes depicting miners preparing to go underground prior to the accident. After the first explosion occurred, the company's CEO, Jonathon Hendry, stated that sufficient air was available underground for several days.
Statements made to families regarding the situation were later understood as inaccurate.
The narrative focuses on the developing friendship between Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, both of whom lost family members (Osborne's husband, Rockhouse's 21-year-old son) in the disaster.
A key objective for the families was the recovery of bodies from the mine.
Despite challenges, successes were achieved. These included a family-run concrete business refusing to supply concrete to seal the mine's entrance. The film features a cameo appearance by a New Zealand politician.