Whale Rider to North Country

Whale Rider director Niki Caro has officially earned her Hollywood stripes with the release of Warner Brothers’ North Country. Starring Charlize Theron, Sissy Spacek, Frances McDormand and Sean Bean, North Country is a fictionalised account of the first major sexual harassment case in the US. Variety describes the film as “an emotionally potent story told with great dignity” in which Caro “creates a vivid sense of the women’s isolation and powerlessness.” Charlize Theron made the long trip to Auckland for North Country’s NZ premiere, telling NZPA “I wanted to come and support Niki because I know that this is her home town and I’m so incredibly proud of her.” Theron has been nominated for an Oscar as Best Actress for her performance.