(2024 / Rachel House / New Zealand / 89 minutes / Comedy-Drama / Age Guidance: 11+)
UK PREMIERE
The London Australian Film Society and the Foundation for Australian and New Zealand Arts (FANZA) present the inaugural ANZ Film Festival, a day of film screenings and events at Finsbury Park Picturehouse to mark Australia Day and Waitangi Day.
This year’s ANZ Film Festival opens with the UK premiere of coming-of-age comedy, THE MOUNTAIN (2024), the directorial debut of acclaimed Māori actor, Rachel House (Whale Rider, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok).
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.
“The Mountain is a delightful, magical, mystical, and melancholy film brimming with humor and tenderness. Aotearoa and the world are blessed to have Rachel House as a creative force…” – Nadine Whitney, In Session Film