New Zealand-Australian co-production Went Up The Hill released over the weekend across more than 130 screens in the United States, marking a major international milestone for the critically acclaimed feature.
Premiering as a Special Presentation at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, director Samuel Van Grinsven says the film’s journey from Aotearoa to North America has been deeply meaningful.
“From its haunting landscapes to its emotional core, this film is deeply personal. I’m honoured by the response it’s received and excited for American audiences to experience it.”
A co-production between local producer Vicky Pope (Savage, upcoming Pike River) and her Australian counterparts, Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton of Causeway Films (Talk To Me, The Babadook), the film highlights the strength of trans-Tasman collaboration and genre storytelling.
Pope says the film’s growing international reach is a proud moment for the team, noting, “to see Went Up The Hill reach audiences across the US is incredibly rewarding. This film has been a labour of love, and we’re thrilled to see it resonate so widely.”
NZFC CEO, Annie Murray, says the release signals continued progress for New Zealand storytelling.
“The release of Went Up The Hill marks another step forward for New Zealand film, building on a wave of creative momentum. With Tinā soon to reach US audiences and Mārama premiering at Toronto, our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate. Co-productions like this highlight the power of collaboration — bringing together talent, resources, and vision to create something truly special.”
Starring Vicky Krieps (Corsage, The Phantom Thread) and Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things), Went Up The Hill premiered in Aotearoa at Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival in Auckland, attended by Van Grinsven along with Montgomery and his New Zealand whānau. Currently, screening nationwide as part of the festival, the film offers local audiences an early opportunity to experience it on home soil. It’s also showing at the Melbourne International Film Festival, where Van Grinsven is nominated for Best Director.
Inspired by the director’s childhood memories of South Island, the film blends psychological drama with supernatural tension. Jack (Montgomery) travels to New Zealand for the funeral of his estranged mother, Elizabeth. He claims to have been invited by her widow, Jill (Krieps), though she has no memory of doing so. Jill nonetheless welcomes Jack into her striking South Island home. As night falls, Elizabeth’s spirit begins to stir, revealing unfinished business that binds both Jack and Jill.
Went Up The Hill was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, Screen Australia, and the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, along with support from Screen CanterburyNZ and Screen NSW
Vendetta Films is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia, while Greenwich Entertainment is handling distribution in North America. Bankside Films is managing international sales and co-representing North American rights alongside CAA Media Finance.