Māori Anthem ‘Pō Atarau’ Featured in Ryan Gosling’s ‘Project Hail Mary’ – How It Got There
Ryan Gosling’s latest blockbuster, Project Hail Mary, isn’t just captivating audiences with its interstellar narrative; it’s unexpectedly amplifying the reach of a poignant te reo Māori anthem, ‘Pō Atarau,’ originally composed in 1915. The song’s inclusion in a climactic farewell scene has sparked renewed interest in the language and its cultural significance, raising questions about music licensing, cultural preservation, and the growing demand for authentic global representation in Hollywood productions.
A Wartime Lament Finds New Life in Outer Space
The story of ‘Pō Atarau’s’ journey to the silver screen is a testament to the enduring power of music and the serendipitous nature of discovery. Penned by Emira Maewa Kaihau, the song initially served as a farewell to soldiers departing for World War I, inspired by Clement Scott’s ‘Swiss Cradle Song.’ Over the decades, it evolved into a broader anthem of farewell, resonating at funerals, leaving parties, and memorials. Its inclusion in The Aotearoa Songbook in 2024 signaled a formal recognition of its cultural importance. But the leap to a Ryan Gosling-led space epic required a more circuitous route.
Viking Seven Seas and the Preservation of a Sonic Legacy
The key to unlocking ‘Pō Atarau’ for a global audience lay within the archives of Viking Seven Seas, a New Zealand record label that, in the late 1950s and early 60s, pioneered the recording of music from across the Pacific. Murdoch Riley, the label’s owner, recognized the artistic value of Tahitian, Samoan, Fijian, and Māori music, a remarkably forward-thinking approach for the time. Jan Hellriegel, owner of music publisher Songbroker, emphasizes the importance of this catalogue: “Words cannot express how important that catalogue is. We are so lucky to still have those recordings.” It was through Viking Seven Seas that a 1976 recording by the Tūrakina Māori Girls’ Choir—a version described by Hellriegel as possessing “so much heart and soul and magic”—eventually found its way into the hands of Project Hail Mary’s music supervisor, Kier Lehman.
The “Mixtape from Earth” and a Poignant Scene
Lehman, tasked with creating a soundtrack that reflected a global “mixtape from Earth,” stumbled upon ‘Pō Atarau’ although searching for songs conveying farewell. He was immediately struck by its emotional resonance, even without understanding the lyrics. The 1976 recording by the Tūrakina Girls’ Choir, discovered on the album Kia Ora (later resurfacing online in 2011), proved to be the perfect fit for a pivotal scene in the film. Lehman recounts that upon playing the track for the directors, “they got goosebumps and were instantly sold.” The song’s “vintage quality” too aligned with the overall aesthetic of the soundtrack.
A Cultural Moment and the Power of Representation
The inclusion of ‘Pō Atarau’ has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in Aotearoa New Zealand. Terehia Channings, former student and principal of Tūrakina Girls’ College, expressed her surprise and joy at hearing the choir’s recording in such a prominent film. Despite the school’s closure in 2015, Channings notes that “the songs of the girls who recorded that waiata are still being heard,” preserving the school’s legacy. Filmmaker Te Waiarangi Ratana lauded the placement of the song as “powerful and respectful,” noting its poignant use during a scene of farewell.
“This film is about saving the Earth. So to have our area of the Earth be used for such a film, I thought was wonderful, because sometimes we’re forgotten about.” – Aynsley Broom, Samoan US-based content creator.
The moment also highlights a broader trend in Hollywood: a growing awareness of the importance of authentic cultural representation. As audiences demand more diverse and inclusive storytelling, filmmakers are increasingly looking beyond Western musical traditions to enrich their soundtracks. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges. Securing the necessary intellectual property clearances for global music can be complex, requiring specialized legal expertise. Ensuring respectful and accurate cultural representation demands sensitivity and collaboration with communities.
The Economic Impact and the Value of Back Catalogues
The success of ‘Pō Atarau’ in Project Hail Mary underscores the economic value of preserving and promoting indigenous music catalogues. Jan Hellriegel notes that the licensing deal was “blown away” and highlights the potential for similar opportunities. The film has already topped the New Zealand box office on its opening weekend, becoming the biggest of the year so far, according to Numero. This success translates into increased streaming revenue, music licensing fees, and renewed interest in the artist and the label. The film’s official Spotify and Apple Music playlists now feature the Tūrakina Girls’ Choir recording, introducing the waiata to a global audience. The increased visibility also creates opportunities for live performances and further event promotion.
Navigating the Complexities of Global Music Licensing
The story of ‘Pō Atarau’ also serves as a case study in the intricacies of global music licensing. The process likely involved navigating multiple rights holders – the composer’s estate, the publisher (Songbroker), and the record label (Viking Seven Seas). Successfully securing these rights requires a deep understanding of international copyright law and a proactive approach to music rights management. The increasing demand for diverse soundtracks is driving a surge in demand for these specialized services.
Hellriegel’s experience underscores the importance of protecting and making available our musical heritage. “It’s exciting that local musicians can be reminded that You’ll see still amazing opportunities out there in music. You never understand when one of your songs is going to be picked up for a TV show or film, but I’ve learned that great pieces of art have a habit of finding the perfect place to be.” The success of ‘Pō Atarau’ is a powerful reminder that cultural treasures often lie hidden, waiting to be rediscovered and shared with the world.
As Hollywood continues to embrace global sounds, the demand for culturally sensitive music supervision and licensing will only intensify. The story of ‘Pō Atarau’ is a compelling example of how a song, born from a specific cultural context, can transcend borders and resonate with audiences worldwide, proving that the most moving melodies often speak a universal language.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.