John Barnett

Whale Rider -- A small Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership of the Ngati Konohi dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Pai. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the village people, twelve-year-old Pai remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people.

A portrait of a subculture held together by the passion of the participants. In the summer of 1995, aggressive inline skating was featured as one of the premier events in ESPN's newly created X-Games.

In New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning by riding home on the back of a whale. Traditionally a male must become the new chief but a young girl, Pai is a natural leader and may become the chosen one.

A small Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership of the Ngati Konohi dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Pai. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the village people, twelve-year-old Pai remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people. With remarkable grace, Pai finds the strength to challenge her family and embraces a thousand years of tradition in order to fulfill her destiny.