by Alex Billington
April 15, 2026
Source: YouTube
“How would you like it if people were climbing all over your head?” Hope Runs High Films revealed their final official US trailer for a New Zealand coming-of-age comedy called The Mountain, which is opening in US theaters this weekend. Directed by Kiwi actress Rachel House (from Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok and tons of other films), this film originally premiered back in 2024 and opened in New Zealand that year as well (we also posted trailers back then but that was a while ago). The film explores the journey of three young people as they seek solace under the watchful gaze of the Taranaki mountain (aka “Taranaki Maunga” – see on Google Maps) and companionship in the spirit of adventure. With Elizabeth Atkinson (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama, Kāi Tahu), Reuben Francis, and Terence Daniel (Ngāti Kahungunu, Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Kuki Airani – Aitutaki). Also joined by Troy Kingi (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) (Muru), Byron Coll, Fern Sutherland, and Sukena Shah. An amusing coming-of-age adventure about connecting with nature and loving our planet. Yes this sounds like it’s going to be a blast! And I’m glad it’s being released in US theaters soon. Take a look.
Here’s the official US trailer for Rachel House’s movie The Mountain, direct from HRH’s YouTube:
You can rewatch the first Oz trailer for Rachel House’s The Mountain right here for the first look again.
The Mountain is a heartfelt drama about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga, and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure. The Mountain is directed by acclaimed New Zealand actress / filmmaker Rachel House (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Kai Tahu), making her feature directorial debut after one other short film previously. The screenplay is written by Rachel House & Tom Furniss. Produced by Desray Armstrong (Te Aitanga-ā-Hauiti, Ngāti Porou) & Morgan Waru (Ngāti Porou). Executive Produced by Carthew Neal, Taika Waititi (Te-Whānau-ā-Apanui) & Paul Wiegard. The film first hit theaters in New Zealand only in March 2024 a few years ago. It also later premiered at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival and then opened in Australia in late 2024. Hope Runs High Films debuts Rachel House’s The Mountain movie in select US theaters on April 24th, 2026 this spring. Who wants to watch?
