Beyond Doc Edge: ‘Devils on Horses’ Continued Success

DEGANZ member Edward Sampson’s feature documentary Devils on Horses is currently screening on Māori+, following its world premiere at the 2025 Doc Edge Festival.

While at Doc Edge, the film became the festival’s highest-attended film. It went on to have a limited New Zealand theatrical run. Screenings in Palmerston North, Tauranga and Christchurch included filmmaker Q&As and attracted strong interest from veterans, RSA members, and rural communities.

Since then, the film has also travelled to the US, screening at the 41st Boston Film Festival, as well as having an in-flight season with Air New Zealand. The film has also been acquired by SBS Australia and is scheduled to screen in April 2027.

Directed, edited, and produced by Edward, the documentary explores the powerful bond between Aotearoa New Zealand soldiers and their horses during the First World War’s Sinai–Palestine campaign. Devils on Horses also examines the psychological impact of war and the devastating decision that prevented almost all the surviving horses from returning to Aotearoa.

Congratulations to Edward on the film’s continued success!

https://youtu.be/YswD9VsLgt8?si=u88hkV52P4WAeyi1

Last updated on 24 September 2026