New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi signs on to direct and co-write the film Hunt for the Wilderpeople, based on the book Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump.
Principal photography for Hunt for the Wilderpeople wraps after several months of shooting.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is released in theaters across New Zealand, where it receives critical acclaim and commercial success.
The film is released internationally to audiences in the United States, Australia, and other countries, gaining a wider fanbase.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople receives numerous awards and nominations across film festivals, praising its direction, performances, and story.
Ricky Baker, a defiant city kid, is placed into the New Zealand foster care system after the death of his parents.
Ricky is introduced to his new foster guardian, Bella, who lives in the countryside with her husband Hec.
Over time, Ricky starts to bond with his reluctant foster uncle Hec, finding a friend and mentor.
Aunt Bella passes away unexpectedly, leaving Ricky and Hec to manage on their own.
Feeling threatened by child services wanting to place Ricky elsewhere, Ricky runs away into the New Zealand bush.
Hec pursues Ricky to bring him back and keep him safe, leading to their survival journey in the wilderness.
The duo use survival skills, bonding and evading authorities while living in the bush.
Authorities begin a widespread search for Ricky and Hec, mistaking them as fugitives.
They find natural resources and shelter that helps them endure their time in the wilderness.
Ricky and Hec deepen their familial bond and resolve previous tensions.
Eventually, the manhunt ends with the safe recovery of Ricky and Hec.
Ricky chooses to remain in a stable foster care with Hec after the ordeal.
