In 1981, the World Jet Boat Marathon was held in New Zealand, home to jet boat inventor Sir Bill Hamilton. Acclaimed cinematographer Graeme Cowley (Utu, Smash Palace, Mauri) takes the director's seat in this scenic and explosive documentary, following the week-long event as competitors from around the world take on nine New Zealand rivers. The first half unfolds in the North Island, where the Whanganui River's tricky rapids cause havoc for several teams. Title holder Max McKenzie takes an early lead, but the South Island leg throws up more twists and turns, with complex braided river systems demanding careful navigation.