Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron, who is in Auckland for the national premiere of her new film, has lavished praise on her New Zealand director.
Theron stars in the film North Country about a miner who wins the first major class action lawsuit for sexual harassment in the United States.
The movie is directed by New Zealander Niki Caro, who directed the acclaimed film Whale Rider.
Theron says she was attracted to the film as the lawsuit was only settled in 1998, making the story relevant for today.
However, she says the chance to work with Caro was a major drawcard. The Hollywood star and Caro have become good friends.
Working closely together on epic film North Country the pair learnt about each other's loves, hates and personal lives.
Theron isn't afraid to admit that it was she who pursued Caro after seeing the award winning Whale Rider.
"Yes, it's true I did stalk her," Theron told AAP. "I asked my agent to try setting up a meeting with her for whatever she was doing next and then, unbelievably, five days later I got a call for North Country."
Caro downplays the "stalking", admitting it was clear Theron was the best person for the part.
"It was truly no contest - I wanted Charlize in this role," she said. "She proved to be a real collaborator, completely invested in telling the story."
She says their friendship deepened from their first meeting.
"We had a fantastic relationship right from the stalking," Caro laughs. "The first time we were together it was very clear to me that she was one of us, she wasn't one of them. By that, she is not American, she has also not been totally corrupted by Hollywood.
"She has a straight-forwardness, a directness and honesty that I recognise and appreciate as a New Zealander. We spoke the same language in many ways and I feel terribly close to her. I hope she is always in my life and that we can work together again."
Inspired by a true story, North Country centres around Josey Aimes, a single mother who works in a United States iron mine. She leads a sexual harassment lawsuit, in North Minnesota, against male co-workers angry that women are taking on jobs traditionally held by men. Settled in 1998, Aimes wins the case and makes history.
For Caro, directing North Country was tiring. Attending to the cast's needs and also that of her 18-month-old daughter was a juggling act.
"It was a busy time," Caro said. "My husband needs to be credited for making it all happen. He put his career on hold to be a full time parent."
With award season in full swing in the States, Caro says an Oscar isn't why she does her job. "It's a great compliment to the work and I am thrilled but I don't expect it."
The red carpet premiere began on Auckland's Queen Street on Friday evening.
