A clip from Prime Minister, which chronicles the leadership and personal life of former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Video / Universal Pictures Content Group
The Clarke Gayford-produced documentary chronicling the premiership of his wife and former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will be released in New Zealand cinemas from September 25, with special preview screenings from September 19-21.
The Sundance Film Festival Award-winning movie Prime Minister, which also premiered at the Whānau Mārama: NewZealand International Film Festival last month to sold-out crowds, is directed by American film-makers Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe in association with MWM and local production outfit Dark Doris Entertainment.
Described by the filmmakers as an “intimate, front-row seat to the extraordinary demands of leading a country”, the film won Sundance’s World Cinema Documentary Audience Award and currently touts a 94% Fresh rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Besides interviews and archival footage, it also includes home footage shot by Gayford and is described as a look into both Ardern’s administration and private lives.
Ardern’s time as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2023 attracted global media attention, scrutiny and praise, as she led the country through events such as the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings and the Covid-19 pandemic.
She also gave birth to a daughter, Neve Ardern Gayford, with Gayford on June 21, 2018, while in office, something that is explored during the film.
During her tenure as Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern became the second elected head of government to give birth while in office. Photo / Universal Pictures Content Group
“Her approach to leadership during times of immense pressure and uncertainty offers a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leaders prioritise people. As female directors and mothers, this story felt personal to us,” Utz and Walshe previously told media.
“In a world facing complex, human-centred challenges, we hope this film encourages audiences to see empathy and kindness as not just leadership strengths, but essential tools to building a better future.”
Ardern took to Instagram to promote the film on Monday, noting that people had asked her when they would be able to watch the film in cinemas.
“Since it screened at the NZ International Film Festival, a few people have asked me how they can see the documentary called Prime Minister (which is a pretty intimate portrayal of my time in office ... as captured by this image of me in the film, heavily pregnant and very dishevelled)," she said, linking to release dates.
Ardern previously told the Herald that she “cried through most [of the film]” and hoped it would “humanise politicians, those who are public servants, and leadership”.
Critics’ reviews for the film have so far been mixed, with some praising its insight and realism, and others claiming it doesn’t dig deep enough. Siddhant Adlakha of Variety described it as “intimate but simplistic”, and Screen Daily’s Amber Wilkinson said it “might just restore your faith in politicians”.
Since leaving office, Ardern has been living in the United States as a fellow at Harvard University. She’s also released her memoir A Different Kind of Power and recently became part of Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.
People can check with their local cinemas for tickets and times for Prime Minister.
Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.
