The Journey of ‘Pō Atarau’ to Hollywood
In the realm of cinematic soundtracks, few moments resonate as deeply as the climactic scene in Ryan Gosling’s latest space blockbuster, Project Hail Mary. Among the eclectic mix of songs, one stands out for its emotional weight and cultural significance: the te reo Māori anthem ‘Pō Atarau’. This haunting melody, echoing through the vastness of space, has a rich history that connects Aotearoa to Hollywood.
The Emotional Climax
Project Hail Mary features a variety of memorable musical moments, from a poignant karaoke rendition of Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’ to the nostalgic strains of The Beatles’ ‘Two of Us’. However, it is the scene where a choir of women’s voices fills the void of outer space with ‘Pō Atarau’ that truly captivates local audiences. The song’s lyrics, “Pō atarau / E moea iho nei,” evoke a profound sense of farewell, making it the perfect accompaniment to the film’s emotional crescendo.
The Origins of ‘Pō Atarau’
Composed by Emira Maewa Kaihau in 1915, ‘Pō Atarau’ was inspired by Clement Scott’s ‘Swiss Cradle Song’. Originally penned as a farewell to soldiers heading off to World War I, the song has since evolved into a poignant anthem for various farewells, including funerals and memorials. Its inclusion in The Aotearoa Songbook in 2024 further solidifies its place in the cultural fabric of New Zealand.
A Choral Favorite
Over the decades, ‘Pō Atarau’ has become a beloved piece for choirs across Aotearoa. Its journey into the recording world began when Keith and Nancy Southern recorded it for Viking Seven Seas in Wellington. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Viking owner Murdoch Riley sought to capture the essence of Māori and Pacific music, a groundbreaking endeavor at the time. Music publisher Jan Hellriegel emphasizes the importance of this catalogue, stating, “We are so lucky to still have those recordings.”
The Turakina Māori Girls Choir
Among the notable recordings is the 1976 LP Turakina Sings, featuring the Turakina Māori Girls Choir. The choir, composed of students from diverse backgrounds, brought a unique spirit to the song. Hellriegel describes the recording as “the most beautiful song and the most beautiful recording,” highlighting its emotional depth and cultural significance.
A Global Discovery
Fast forward nearly 50 years, and ‘Pō Atarau’ found its way to Los Angeles, where Project Hail Mary music supervisor Kier Lehman was curating a “mixtape from Earth” for the film’s soundtrack. In his search for goodbye songs from various cultures, he stumbled upon ‘Pō Atarau’. Recognizing its emotional resonance, Lehman selected the version by the Turakina Māori Girls’ Choir, which he felt perfectly matched the scene’s tone and pace. “When I played it for the directors, they got goosebumps,” he recalls, underscoring the song’s universal appeal.
A Cultural Milestone
Back in Aotearoa, Hellriegel was thrilled to receive the request to license ‘Pō Atarau’ for the film. “It was really neat to think about a whole new audience finding it,” she reflects. The public response has been overwhelming, with many viewers experiencing a deep sense of familiarity and connection to the song. “There’s a sense that no one’s expecting it, and so they hear it, they look at each other, and slowly realize there’s a familiarity there that is close to the beating heart of New Zealand,” she explains.
The Power of Creative Industries
Hellriegel hopes that the inclusion of ‘Pō Atarau’ in Project Hail Mary serves as a testament to the power of New Zealand’s creative industries on a global stage. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of cultural exports, stating, “These industries are very valuable, both culturally and in terms of what they can achieve with our economy.”
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The moment also highlights the need to preserve New Zealand’s musical heritage. Hellriegel advocates for protecting and promoting local music, ensuring that future generations can access these cultural treasures. “It’s exciting that local musicians can be reminded that there are still amazing opportunities out there in music,” she notes, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of artistic recognition.
A Serendipitous Connection
Ultimately, the journey of ‘Pō Atarau’ from a wartime anthem to a Hollywood blockbuster underscores the serendipitous nature of art. As Hellriegel puts it, “This was just meant to be.” The song’s inclusion in Project Hail Mary not only enriches the film but also introduces a new audience to the beauty and depth of Māori culture. As viewers around the world experience the emotional weight of ‘Pō Atarau’, they are reminded of the shared human experience that transcends borders and languages.
