Temuera Morrison and Stan Walker's new movie

Mt Zion, starring Rotorua's Temuera Morrison, Darcy-Ray Flavell-Hudson and pop star Stan Walker, is completed and gearing up for its New Zealand release.

Mt Zion will be released on February 6, and will have its World Premiere on February 4 at Event Cinemas Manukau complex. The red-carpet premiere will be attended by many of the cast including Walker and Morrison.

Organisers expect Flavell-Hudson, who starred in the hit film Boy, former Shortland St star David Wikaira-Paul and Northland musician Troy Kingi to be there. These three, with Walker, make up the band in the film, known as Small Axe.

Walker plays Turei, a talented singer who dreams of his band playing 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 (Morrison), a true man of the land.

The film features original music in a uniquely Maori take on Marley's reggae. Mt Zion is written and directed by Tearepa Kahi (Taua), who drew inspiration from his own family background.

Distributor Sony Pictures chose the release date to coincide with Bob Marley's birthday and Waitangi Day.