Chasing Great

Nominated for three Moa Awards, this documentary follows All Black Richie McCaw on his 2015 quest to become the first skipper to defend the World Cup. Directors Justin Pemberton (The Golden Hour) and Michelle Walshe were given major access to create a portrait of McCaw — who admits to craving the pressure — and chronicle the psychology of achievement in sport. McCaw got involved as a chance to "inspire some young kids", arguably ending his policy of keeping "the private stuff private". The film's first day in cinemas set a record for a local documentary; it became Aotearoa's highest grossing big screen doco. 

This is a film for New Zealanders young and old; it will really connect with anyone interested in what it takes for an ordinary person to achieve phenomenal accomplishments.

– Chasing Great co-director Michelle Walshe

Key Cast & Crew

Cass Avery

Producer

Michelle Walshe

Co-Director, Writer

Paul Maxwell

Editor

Sean Donnelly (SJD)

Composer

Chris Burt

Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Design

Justin Pemberton

Co-Director, Writer