Chasing Whale Rider's wake

Not all of the big Kiwi films this summer involve terrifying creatures, classic tales and special effects.

Expectation is high for Toa Fraser's No. 2 after a media screening yesterday revealed it to be a heart-warming story closer to the spirit of Whale Rider than King Kong or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

It is also a likely contender on the international festival circuit, with hopes for its inclusion in the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in the United States where Whale Rider also gained momentum.

Producer Tim White said No. 2 was on track to open in Britain and Australia next year after its New Zealand release.

"We are hopeful that the film will premiere at a festival early next year and our marketing plans will spring from that," he said.

"I've made over 20 movies and quite honestly I can say this has been the most enjoyable. It's been incredibly rewarding. I can't think of something that's really come close."

No. 2 is the feature film debut from writer-director Toa Fraser, a Fijian-New Zealander who adapted the story for the screen after the success of his theatre production of the same name.

Fraser described the film as a "love letter" to his family, friends and life.

"It was about making it as real as I could, telling their stories as truthfully as possible. As long as we were doing it with our heart on our sleeve."

The film stars American screen veteran Ruby Dee, Swedish film star Tuva Novotny and Kiwi actors Nathaniel Lees, Pio Terei, Rene Naufahu, Antony Starr, Taungaroa Emile, Mia Blake, Tanea Heke, Xavier Horan and Miriama McDowell.

Whale Rider's Leon Narbey was director of photography, Don McGlashan wrote the music and post-production was completed at Peter Jackson's Park Road Post film lab in Wellington.

Dee plays Nanna Maria, an elderly, slightly eccentric Fijian matriarch who asks her grandchildren to put on a feast, at which she will name her successor.

Set over the course of a day and shot in Mt Roskill, it explores bringing together a family who have lost sight of values in a modern world.

Backed by NZ On Air and the Film Commission, it opens on February 16.