Maunga (Mountain) is a story about three children whose lives have been upended by war and the tragic consequences of which they have no control over. It is told through their eyes and voices, and explores how they come to terms with their grief through sharing stories and helping each other cope.

The children are from three very different cultures and experiences, and the story shows how grief is universal and transcends cultural differences.

It is a story inspired by true events and is an allegory for the world today, particularly how we approach the global refugee crisis, population shifts and radicalism. It has universal resonance and asks questions of how we all view ourselves, our neighbours and the universal values as a human race.

The story celebrates New Zealand‘s values of tolerance, cultural diversity and inclusivity, and how this brings strength to our identity.

David, as a United Nations peacekeeper, has witnessed the worst of human intolerance and violence on families and societies, and on children. Wanda, as the daughter of WWII Polish child refugees, has grown up with the powerful themes of this film. Together, we bring this understanding to a humanistic story-telling approach.