There is more to the Kiwi made film Mt Zion than 'spud picking”.

The new film starring Mount Maunganui raised singer Stan Walker and film star Temuera Morrison premiered on Wednesday banking more than $200,000 at the national box office.

Written by Tearapa Kahi, the Kiwi drama set in 1979 follows the dream of a Pukekohe potato picker (Stan Walker) to become a singer, and his relationship with his father (Temuera).

Tauranga's Moana FM radio announcer Pat Spellman visited the cast and crew in Auckland this month to talk Mt Zion.

'In a whole it's all for one, one for all. It's all about whanau, it's a relationship between father and son just unfolding and the unspoken love shared,” says 22-year-old Stan Walker.

In his acting debut, Stan says he can very much relate to the film that in many ways reflects his own upbringing.

'It portrays a good picture about what whanau is about and the good relationships.”

'When my parents saw the premier my mum laughed all the way through and my dad cried with laughter.”

When asked about his success and how far he has come in his short career, Stan is overwhelmed.

'I still can't get my head around what has just happened.”

An acting role in a Kiwi made film has been Stan's goal for the last three years and he says he was shocked when asked to play Turei in Mt Zion.

'I'm buzzing at how a thought, an idea, a dream, has now become reality.”

Stan is the young star of the film which follows his quest to become the support band for Bob Marley's concert at Western Springs in 1979.

Rotorua born and raised actor Temuera Morrison can also relate to the film, and the dream of a young boy to follow his passion.

'I was the same boy that had a tenacious attitude and thought something inside of me could possibly lead to a future career in the entertainment industry.”

Temuera says it wasn't normal for someone in his family to venture into the acting industry.

'We were a singing family growing up in the shadow of Uncle Howard.

'We were a big Kapa Haka family, a lot of singing and a lot of music but there really wasn't anyone in the drama and the acting side.”

Temuera worked a number of jobs in probation and Maori Affairs, but says none were for him.

He caught the acting bug and decided to pursue his acting career.

'It's a pleasure and privilege for me to be involved in this film to play the father. But I guess that is where I am heading now that I am knocking on the door of more mature roles.

'I just wanted to be Papa - the tough old man who has a work ethic.”

Pat Spellman with the cast and crew of Mt Zion.

Listen to extended interviews here:

Stan Walker

Temuera Morrison