Arquivo

A legend from the Whangara tribe living in East New Zealand tells that thousands of years ago ancestor Paikea was saved from death when his canoe capsized on the back of a whale. He rode the whale, leading his people to a new land. It was then established that the first male child of each tribal chief would be regarded as a descendant of Paikea and, thus, a chief and spiritual leader of his people. Pai, a girl of 11, is appointed chief after the death of her brother. Brave, sensitive and beloved of all, Pai is rejected by her grandfather, Koro, who insists that tradition should prevail. She struggles against male domination to prove to herself and to her grandfather she has what it takes to be a leader.