White Lies
96 minute feature film

A South Pacific Pictures feature film based on a novella by Witi Ihimaera, author of The Whale Rider. White Lies is about the nature of identity: those who deny it and those who strive to protect it. Paraiti (Whirimako Black) is a Medicine Woman. She is the healer and midwife of her rural, tribal people - she believes in life. But new laws are in force prohibiting unlicensed healers. On a rare trip to the city, she is approached by Maraea (Rachel House), the servant of a wealthy woman, Rebecca (Antonia Prebble), who seeks her knowledge and assistance in order to hide a secret which could destroy Rebecca's position in European settler society. If the secret is uncovered a life may be lost, but hiding it may also have fatal consequences. So Paraiti, Maraea and Rebecca become players in a head on clash of beliefs, deception and ultimate salvation.

Starring: WHIRIMAKO BLACK as Paraiti, ANTONIA PREBBLE as Rebecca Vickers & RACHEL HOUSE as Maraea

Press Reviews

Awards

Massey University's Nga Kupu Ora Aotearoa Maori Book Awards: Winner Fiction (White Lies- by Dana Rotberg & Witi Ihimaera)

2013 Rialto Channel NZ Film Awards: Best Makeup: Abby Collings, Yolanda Bartram, Vee Gulliver, Andrew Beattie & Main Reactor

The 2013 Rialto channel New Zealand Film Awards: Best Production Design: Tracey Collins

New Zealand Submission for: Best Foreign Language Feature Film at the 2014 Academy Awards

The WIFTS Foundation Awards 2013: The Barbara Tipple Best Actress Award: Antonia Prebble

The WIFTS Foundation Awards 2013: Best Director: Dana Rotberg

2014 La Costa Film Festival in California: Audience Choice Award

2014 Balinale International Film Festival: Audience Award: Best Overall Film

Runtime:
96

Producer(s):
John Barnett and Chris Hampson

Director(s):
Dana Rotberg

Executive Producer(s):
Rosa Bosch

Writer(s):
Dana Rotberg & Witi Ihimaera

Director
Dana Rotberg
Executive Producer
Rosa Bosch
Producer
Chris Hampson
Producer
John Barnett
Writer
Dana Rotberg
Writer
Witi Ihimaera
Antonia Prebble
Rachel House
Whirimako Black
Production Year
2013

Type
Feature

Genre
Drama

Stage
Distribution

Website:
southpacificpictures.com