Aotearoa's very own Rachel House is stepping into the directorial spotlight with her debut film, 'The Mountain'.
Set in the breathtaking backdrop of Taranaki Maunga, the trailer introduces us to a trio of keen youngsters – Sam, Mallory, and Bronco – on a mission to climb the mountain to connect with their tupuna.
While fighting cancer, Sam believes reaching the peak of the mountain, her ancestors will help her heal from her health battle.
"When you're Maori, you're mountain is your ancestor. My mission is to get to the top of my mountain," Sam says in the trailer.
Their journey promises to have you in tears from heartwarming moments and giggle fits from the youngster's clever humour.
A cheeky reference to Gandalf from 'Lord of the Rings' and the plan to bring marshmallows along for the hike had me cracking up at my desk.
Rachel House, known for her outstanding performances in Kiwi favourites like 'Boy', 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople', 'Jojo Rabit' and 'Whale Rider', is the genius wahine behind the film.
With a stacked list like that, expectations are high that 'The Mountain' will join the ranks of our top fave Kiwi films.
"With the generosity of mana whenua [in Taranaki], we have been able to represent Taranaki in this story about longing, resilience, and healing with three pretty cool kids living their best lives," says House.
The film will premiere in Taranaki on March 19th and will hit cinemas up and down the motu on March 28th.
