DEVILS ON HORSES

THE INTRINSIC BOND BETWEEN SOLDERS AND HORSES IN WARTIME

Devils on Horses reveals the profound bond between soldiers and their horses during World War One. Filmed primarily in Canterbury, on New Zealand’s South Island, the documentary illustrates how these animals provided comfort, security, and emotional support amid the trauma of combat in the desert, using reenactments, archival footage, and interviews to tell its story. The film also sheds light on the mental health struggles soldiers face when returning home.

Our Story

For producer Edward Sampson and his team, the process of creating the documentary has been lengthy but rewarding. During the film’s development stages in 2019, the team could not have foreseen the impact of the COVID pandemic, which delayed production. “Every film comes with unique challenges, and overcoming them is part of the journey,” reflects Sampson. Despite this setback, Sampson speaks fondly of the experience. “We’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible people who have wholeheartedly supported the project,” he shares.

Devils on Horses will be released this year 2025.

Meet The Team

Casey Hart and Sophie Sampson: A Stellar Debut

"Devils on Horses" marks the feature film debut for actors Casey Hart and Sophie Sampson. Hart takes on the role of Officer Jack Care, while Sampson portrays Lily Care, Jack's sister. Both actors embraced their roles with enthusiasm, bringing depth and authenticity to the story.Casey, an avid horse enthusiast, was drawn to the project due to his passion for horse riding, which played a significant role in his portrayal. Both Hart and Sampson thoroughly enjoyed their time on set, describing the experience as an unforgettable journey into the world of storytelling and filmmaking.

Edward Sampson and Raoul Darlington: Visionaries

Behind the Scenes Producer and Director Edward Sampson worked closely with 1st Assistant Director and Art Director Raoul Darlington to bring the vision of Devils on Horses to life. Together, they meticulously prepared scenes with actors Casey Hart and Sophie Sampson, ensuring every moment on screen captured the emotional depth and authenticity of the story. Their collaboration was instrumental in creating the film's stunning visual and narrative impact.

Co-Producer and Horse Master Terry Kingi collaborated with producer and director Edward Sampson at Plains Railway Station, coordinating the horse setup alongside the cast mounted on their horses. Their teamwork ensured the scenes were both authentic and visually captivating.

Terry Kinig (Ngāi Tahu) Co-Producer and Horse Master

Hailing from the vast plains of New Zealand’s South Island, Terry is the visionary behind the Anzacs story, which explores the unique bond between men and their horses during wartime. With a deeply personal connection to this history—his grandfather served in the Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment—Terry brings passion and authenticity to every aspect of his work.

A lifelong horse enthusiast, Terry spearheaded the 100 Years, 100 Horses ride in 2015, where a dedicated team of volunteers completed a 20km journey to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day. He is also the founder of the ANZAC Mounts Charitable Trust Unit, which preserves and shares this vital piece of heritage.

Terry’s expertise extends to the film and events industry, having served as a logistics manager on several high-profile projects, including The Lord of the Rings, where he oversaw the provisioning for all the animals on set. His passion for historical accuracy is reflected in his extensive collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, rifles, and equipment used by the regiment during that era.

Director's Statement

Devils on Horses has been a deeply personal project developed alongside my producing partner, Terry Kingi. The story's inspiration stems from Terry’s great-grandfather, who served in the First World War during the Sinai-Palestine campaign. This documentary drama has been an extraordinary journey, both creatively and historically.

Throughout filmmaking, we’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals from Australia, Turkey, and New Zealand whose insights and stories helped shape the film. Making a film is never easy—it often requires thinking outside the box to overcome challenges—but it has been a rewarding experience.

I was drawn to this project because of its unique subject matter. The Sinai-Palestine campaign is a lesser-known chapter of World War I history, and even fewer people know the significant role played by the horses sent to war from Australia and New Zealand. We conducted interviews with 17 people across these countries and Turkey, as I was particularly fascinated by the Turkish perspective. From the outset, the heart of this story has been the profound relationship between soldiers and their horses. These animals were more than companions—they became best friends, forging unbreakable bonds with the men who relied on them.

One of the challenges we faced was addressing the theme of mental health. While this topic is widely recognized today, it was rarely discussed during World War I. We aimed to explore it in a way that was respectful to the past while remaining relevant to the present.

Bringing Devils on Horses to the screen has been challenging yet immensely rewarding and educational. This project was made possible thanks to the support of many incredible individuals acknowledged in the credits. A special thanks go to DZOFILM Optics and Blackmagic Design for believing in our vision and providing their 6K cinema camera and lenses, allowing us to bring this powerful story to life.