The Mountain

Rachel
House

Rachel House is one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded actors. She has had a long and celebrated career, both locally and internationally, which has traversed stage, television, and film. House has recently appeared in Our Flag Means Death 2 for HBO Max, Netflix's Heartbreak High and Apple TV series Foundation, soon-to-released Time Bandits, and the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. As a student at the renowned Prague Film School, Rachel was awarded 'Best Director' and the Audience Award for her two short films. She continued to garner awards as a director, notably for Te Reo Māori version of Troilus and Cressida performed at the Globe Theatre in London. She has also directed commercials for ASB with Curious Films and Auckland Transport with Adrenalin. Her work as an actor includes Moana, Soul, Thor: Ragnarok, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Penguin Bloom, Cousins, Millie Lies Low, The Moon is Upside Down, Next Goal Wins, and The Portable Door. She is also a celebrated voice artist for television having starred in Sherwood, The Lion Guard, Underground Uglies, Amphibia, Princess and Pony, Koala Man, and KIFF. As an acting coach she has worked alongside Jane Campion for Top of the Lake S2 and The Power of the Dog; and with Taika Waititi on Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Jojo Rabbit, and Next Goal Wins. In recognition of her significant contributions to the theatre, film, and television industry, House has been awarded an Arts Laureate, NZ Order of Merit, 'Mana Wahine' from WIFT, and Te Waipuna a Rangi (Matariki Awards) as an actor and director.

The film follows three children on a journey to the sacred Māori mountain Taranaki Mounga. Sam (11), who has cancer, believes that climbing the mountain and reconnecting with her ancestors’ culture might heal her. Along the way, she meets Bronc, a proud Māori boy craving his busy father’s attention, and Mallory, a quiet boy grieving his mother’s death. The three form a bond and set off on a risky trek off the beaten path. Their journey becomes not just physical, but emotional – each faces their own inner mountain. The director captures their friendship with sensitivity, humor, and heart. The young cast deliver natural and moving performances. The film is a heartfelt celebration of friendship, bravery, and spiritual connection to land and heritage. Set against New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, it’s a coming-of-age story about acceptance, healing, and the belief in miracles.