I received an email, via the blog, from Swedish Television regarding subtitles they are preparing for the film Whale Rider.
They queried the meaning of a couple of Maori words – one I thought was only a slang term – but I’m certainly not an expert in the language. Not wanting to be “the Kiwi who put Swedish TV wrong” I tried to find an on-line translation but didn’t have any luck.
Wondering who to ask, I decided why not start at the source. Whale Rider is a 1987 novel by New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. The 2002 movie Whale Rider is an adaptation of the book, with the author's involvement, by Niki Caro who also directed. A quick net search found Witi Ihimaera’s contact details and, kindly, within hours he’d answered the query.
It’s great that this wonderful New Zealand story will be seen on Swedish TV. It was cool that a blog, net search, email and a very helpful author combined to provide the correct translation. I hope my Swedish readers enjoy the movie & thanks Witi!
