New Zealanders will get an insight into the Pike River tragedy that continues to be felt by relatives - and on the West Coast.

A film based on the 2010 explosion that took the lives of 29 men is being released in New Zealand this week.

Starring Kiwi actresses Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm, it tells the true story of Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse's fight for justice.

Lynskey says it was important for the men to be remembered as individuals.

"Anyone who's had a loved one be a victim of something that becomes a national tragedy - I do think that the person that you loved, that was the most important person in your entire world, becomes kinda faceless."

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• Pike River film to premiere in Sydney, images of movie's stars Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm released
• 'It was beautiful': Pike River director on the film's world premiere in Sydney