The Mountain movie brings glitz, glamour and a bit of red carpet to New Plymouth
Taranaki got a taste of Hollywood glitz and glamour on Tuesday night with the world premiere of the movie The Mountain.
Part of Devon St West was closed and the red carpet rolled out in front of the TSB Showplace as 800 people arrived for the first screening of the film.
The Mountain, directed by New Zealand actress Rachel House (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Kāi Tahu) and starring Elizabeth Atkinson (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama, Kāi Tahu), Taranaki local Reuben Francis, and Terence Daniel (Ngāti Kahungunu, Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Kuki Airani – Aitutaki), was mostly shot in Taranaki.
Producer Desray Armstrong said it was only right to hold the premiere back in the region.
“It’s so humbling, it’s a big thing to come film here and have Taranaki Maunga in your film.
“Throughout the whole thing we’ve been really supported by iwi,” she said.
“It was a long lead up, a lot of consultation and asking for their blessing, beyond the request it really was authentic, it wasn’t just permission to shoot here, it was active engagement.
“Whānau were able to feed into it and it’s most important for us that they love it.”
For the film’s three young stars, who are still only 12, it was obvious what a surreal experience it was for them.
The last few days had been a whirlwind, they said, and they were looking forward to seeing people’s reaction to the movie.
“It’s been a bit different, we don’t do this every day,” Terence said.
All the kids were dressed to the nines for the premiere with Reuben in a velvet green blazer, Elizabeth in a blue dress from Flo and Frankie and a korowai from her nan, which featured a pink flower only found in Taranaki, and Terence also wore a traditional Māori cloak which he said his mum had spent a few years making.
Director Rachel House said when she saw all three dressed up she became overwhelmed with emotion.
“My heart is bursting, I’ve been so teary and they are such beautiful, special kids, I just feel so proud.”
A huge presence of local iwi was felt throughout the evening with Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, Ngāti Te Whiti, and Te Atiawa leading proceedings inside the theatre.
All the adult cast attended the premiere too, including musician Troy Kingi, who played Terence’s dad in the movie and was also in charge of the soundtrack.
“I’m glad we came back here for the premiere.
“They’re always in Auckland so it’s always good to come back to where you filmed.
“I still don’t feel like I’m a full-on actor but it’s always fun getting to be someone else.”
Also on the red carpet was Sukena Shah, who is originally from New Plymouth and a former New Plymouth Girls High School student.
Shah plays Peachy in the film who is an ally to main character Sam.
“She’s a typical teenager who has been through a lot.
“It’s been amazing, I invited my English teacher from Girls’ High to come watch. These are the people and this is the place that made me do what I’m doing now.”