The Mountain (2024)
A heartfelt New Zealand adventure about a young Māori girl's courageous journey to her ancestral mountain, friendship, and the healing power of belonging.
The Mountain - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Mountain
- Release Year: 2024
- Directed by: Rachel House
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Maori
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 28, 2024 (New Zealand - G), June 27, 2024 (Australia - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Гора (RU), Te Maunga (NZ)
- Production Companies: Piki Films, Sandy Lane Productions, Madman Entertainment, New Zealand Film Commission, NZ on Air, Wētā FX, Kiwibank
- Production Countries: New Zealand
The Mountain - Plot
Sam, a fearless young girl raised outside of her Māori culture, is determined to fulfill her mission of connecting with her mountain. She hopes it can heal her from the cancer she is battling. Along the way, she meets some misfits and new kids in town, and together they journey through a difficult route, discovering the true spirit of adventure and the magic of friendship.
The Mountain - Trailer
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The Mountain - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rachel House
Main Cast
- Elizabeth Atkinson
- Terence Daniel
- Reuben Francis
- Fern Sutherland
- Byron Coll
- Troy Kingi
- Sukena Shah
- Te Kāhui Tupua Taranaki Mounga
- Stephen Tamarapa
- Tai Wano
Writers
- Rachel House
- Tom Furniss
Producers
- Desray Armstrong
- Morgan Waru
The Mountain - FAQs
What is The Mountain (2024) about?
The Mountain follows Sam, a spirited young girl raised apart from her Māori heritage, who sets out on a bold journey to reach her ancestral mountain. Battling cancer, she hopes the mountain holds healing power. Along the way she befriends a ragtag group of misfits, and together they discover adventure, resilience, and the true meaning of belonging.
Is The Mountain based on a true story?
The Mountain is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by director Rachel House and co-writer Tom Furniss. The film draws on themes rooted in Māori culture, identity, and the spiritual significance of mountains in indigenous New Zealand tradition, giving it a deeply authentic cultural grounding.
Who directed The Mountain (2024)?
The Mountain was directed by Rachel House, the acclaimed New Zealand actress and filmmaker widely known for her roles in Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok. This feature marks a significant directorial achievement for House, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Tom Furniss.
Who are the main actors in The Mountain?
The film stars Elizabeth Atkinson as Sam, the determined young lead, alongside Terence Daniel, Reuben Francis, Fern Sutherland, Byron Coll, Troy Kingi, and Sukena Shah. The ensemble cast brings warmth and humor to this heartfelt New Zealand adventure about friendship, identity, and courage.
What is the significance of the mountain in the film?
In the film, the mountain represents Sam's ancestral connection to her Māori heritage and her hope for healing. Mountains hold deep spiritual significance in Māori culture, often regarded as living ancestors. Sam's journey to reach it becomes both a physical adventure and a profound act of cultural reclamation and personal identity.
When was The Mountain released?
The Mountain was released on March 28, 2024 in New Zealand with a G rating, and followed with an Australian release on June 27, 2024, where it received a PG rating. The film is a New Zealand production supported by the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ on Air.
How long is The Mountain (2024)?
The Mountain runs for 89 minutes, making it a perfectly paced family adventure. Its compact runtime keeps the energy lively and the story moving, making it an accessible and engaging watch for children and adults alike who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age journeys.
What are some movies similar to The Mountain?
If you enjoyed The Mountain, you might also love Now and Then (1995), In the Heights (2021), and Dazed and Confused (1993) for their spirit of youthful adventure and friendship. For more family-friendly picks with heart, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) offer similarly warm, ensemble-driven storytelling.
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