Mt. Zion is a 2013 New Zealand film written and directed by Tearepa Kahi, starring Stan Walker and Temuera Morrison.[3] This film marks the acting debut for singer Stan Walker. The world premiere of the film was held at the Event Cinema at Manukau on 4 February 2013.
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Mt. Zion | |
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Directed by | Tearepa Kahi |
Written by | Tearepa Kahi |
Produced by | Quinton Hita Christina Milligan |
Starring | Stan Walker David Wikaira-Paul Darcey-Ray Flavell-Hudson Temuera Morrison Troy Kingi Miriama Smith |
Cinematography | Fred Renata |
Edited by | Paul Maxwell |
Music by | Shane McLean Te Arepa Kahi Stan Walker |
Production company | Small Axe Films |
Distributed by | NZ Film Commission/20th Century Fox Sony Music Australia |
Release date |
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Countries | New Zealand Australia |
Languages | Māori English |
Box office | $1.6 million[2] |
Turei's family are hard-working potato farm workers in rural New Zealand. A talented musician, Turei dreams of his band being the support act for Bob Marley's 1979 tour. But it's a dream that challenges the traditions and values of his upbringing and will set him at odds with his family – particularly his father, a true man of the land.
The movie was filmed in Pukekohe.
Russell Baillie from New Zealand Herald gave the film 4/5 saying it is a smart, finely-observed, heartfelt drama of good humour and decent tunes against an authentic local setting. [4] Jake Wilson from Sydney Morning Herald gave it 1+1⁄2 stars saying the film doesn't have the charm or skill for a big feelgood success and 'Walker only relaxes when he sings'.[5]
The soundtrack was released on 15 March 2013.[6]
Also included on the album are six original recordings from Small Axe (the fictional band depicted in the film), a host of reggae classics from 10cc, Peter Tosh, Third World, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, as well as hits from iconic Kiwi artists Prince Tui Teka, Max Merritt & The Meteors, and Herbs.
In New Zealand the album debuted at #11, before peaking at #1 on 18 February 2013.
Chart (2013) | Peak position |
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New Zealand Singles Chart[7] | 1 |