The White Lies movie/book tie-in

In a significant publishing event, the makers of The Whale Rider have taken another powerful story from Witi Ihimaera to the screen.

First published as a short story in Witi’s collection Ask the Posts, The Medicine Woman has since been developed not just into a novella, but a fully-fledged feature film, starring Whirimako Black, Antonia Prebble and Rachel House. It’s directed by Dana Rotberg, who has had the opening night film at Cannes three times, as well as a long list of other accolades, including the NHK Filmmakers Award at Sundance in 2000 and produced by John Barnett and Chris Hampson. Director of photography is NZ Arts Foundation Laureate Alun Bollinger.

The White Lies movie/book tie is just out and the film adaption releases nationwide 27 June.

The book includes the original novella, screenplay, along with notes by the author, producer and director, and stills from the film.

Witi tackles moral dilemmas, exploring the nature of identity, societal attitudes to the roles of women and the tension between Western and traditional Maori medicine. At the heart of this compelling story is a Maori medicine woman — a giver of life — who is asked to hide a secret that may protect a position in society, but could have fatal consequences. She is the healer and midwife of her rural tribe, but new laws are in force prohibiting unlicensed healers. When she is approached by the servant of a wealthy woman, who seeks her assistance, three very different women become players in a head-on clash of beliefs, deception and ultimate salvation.

This book is also about the richness of creativity, illustrating the way a single story can take on different lives. The original novella, Medicine Woman, has been rewritten and expanded by Witi Ihimaera to become White Lies and thus offers an intriguing insight into the process of adapting work, as well as offering new versions of this potent story.

Right - Witi Ihimaera credit Liz March, (c) Siobhan Harvey