The Mountain
This year’s ANZ Film Festival opens with the UK premiere of coming-of-age comedy, The Mountain, the directorial debut of acclaimed Māori actor, Rachel House (Whale Rider, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok).
SYNOPSIS
When 11-year-old Sam (Elizabeth Atkinson) escapes hospital with the aim of climbing Mount Taranaki, she hopes her journey will aid in her battle against cancer, and help her to reconnect with the Māori culture of her estranged father. Teaming up with two fellow misfits – new kid in town, Mallory (Reuben Francis), and self-proclaimed runaway, Bronco (Terence Daniel) – the trio embark on an unconventional journey, discovering the power of friendship, family and culture.
Rachel House has spent a career developing funny and distinctive characters, and her directorial debut is absolutely no different – a wonderful, heartfelt film for all the family.
Australian and New Zealand snacks and sweets will be on sale, and a special family raffle will take place before the screening.
With thanks to Vertigo Releasing, Upgrade Productions, and Piki Productions.
WHY WE CHOSE THIS FILM
Kiwiroa & Mary (New Zealand content programmers):
“We love Rachel House in Taika Waititi’s films, and when we heard that she re-wrote this script to bring in her own Mount Taranaki, and her indigenous knowledge, we knew that we had to have it. She pours all her warmth, love and humour into this beautiful family film..”
REVIEWS
“The Mountain is a delightful, magical, mystical, and melancholy film brimming with humor and tenderness..”
Rotten Tomatoes / insessionfilm.com
"combines the visual majesty of her native land with that blend of earnestness and understated wit that seems to be so natural to New Zealand films"
Filmspeak