Wahine Requiem

Short Film (Full Length) – 2001

In April 1968, as Cyclone Giselle ripped through Aotearoa, the capital city suffered one of its largest maritime disasters to date. With more than 700 crew and passengers on board a sinking ship, the Wahine disaster would take 51 lives as survivors tried to swim ashore, and another two after the event. This 'requiem' to the disaster from director Gaylene Preston takes an in-depth look at the tragic day. The documentary was produced as a semi-permanent cinema installation for Museum of Wellington City and Sea. It includes archival footage of Frank Kitts, interviews with survivors and original broadcast footage of the tragedy.