Elizabeth Atkinson - who plays the lead character Sam - wore her great grandmother's korowai to the world premier of The Mountain at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The tween leads of New Zealand's latest feature film stole the show at the world premier of The Mountain at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth.
A joyous and heartfelt drama, the film follows three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga.
The Mountain is the directorial debut of acclaimed actor Rachel House, best known for her work in Boy, Hunt For The Wilderpeople and Whale Rider.
She said her lead characters - played by Elizabeth Atkinson, Reuben Francis and Terence Daniel - did not have it easy.
"There some, you know, big issues that the kids handle with absolute aplomb that kids often do actually those very difficult challenges, but it's about - very much so about - friendship and how very important friendship is and, of course, our very beautiful maunga."
Rachel House (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Kāi Tahu) said the role of Taranaki Maunga was what she brought to co-writer Tom Furniss' original story.
"What I realised that I could bring was giving the mountain an identity and how that specific identity of this particular mountain could impact the journey."
Elizabeth Atkinson plays Sam, who is undergoing chemo.
"She is Māori European but she doesn't know who she truly is, like her identity and her maunga and she would like for Taranaki Maunga to be her maunga and she's trying to find healing with that maunga and identity."
Elizabeth got the memo to dress to impress.
"My dress is from Flo & Frankie and they've been a help with my styling and then this korowai is my nan's and the colour pink [on it] for a flower that only grew on Taranaki."
The Hamilton local had the acting bug now.
"It's amazing, incredible I definitely want to be in the industry for a long time."
Reuben Francis, Elizabeth Atkinson, and Terence Daniel at the world premier of The Mountain at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Terence Daniel - Ted to his mates - was wearing a cloak made by his mum and a pounamu pendant from Taranaki.
His character - Bronco - got about.
"I'm the Māori boy to be honest and I'm a guardian of Papatūānuku and I love riding my bike."
The Maungatapu schoolboy was still coming to terms with the limelight.
"Still loading, I'm still processing it, yeah."
As the hometown lad, Rueben Francis - who plays Mallory - had been showing his mates around New Plymouth.
"We went to Ōakura and had some Bland Sands [pizza] and went swimming. I took them to Shining Peak [Brewing] for the food and we've just been around the place having a good time."
Being on the silver screen agreed with him.
"I'm still processing but I'm probably never going to get over it."
Director Rachel House at the world premier of The Mountain at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
House could not be more impressed with her young charges.
"These kids are exceptional. I mean I'm so proud of them. Yeah, I think they've done a brilliant job. I'm very proud."
The Mountain will be in cinemas nationwide from 28 March.
