Whale Rider: dir Niki Caro (2002)

Keisha Castle-Hughes stars as a twelve-year-old Māori girl whose ambition is to become the chief of the tribe – a role traditionally reserved for males. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the people of her village, she is certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people … It’s a moving and quite magical story, empowering and uplifting, and a deserved award-winner. Recommended.