Prime Minister

Sundance audience award-winning documentary chronicling Jacinda Ardern's tenure as New Zealand PM, navigating crises while redefining global leadership through her empathetic yet resolute approach. Helmed by Michelle Walshe (Richie McCaw: Chasing Great) and Academy Award-winner Lindsay Utz (American Factory).

"Ardern’s outlook is summarized by a quote from her childhood hero, Sir Ernest Shackleton: "Optimism is true moral courage." She reluctantly took on what she called "the worst job in politics" as Leader of the Opposition. Then as prime minister, Ardern went on to lead with humanity, compassion, and common sense. She didn’t hesitate to implement nationwide gun law reforms following a devastating mass shooting and guided her country through the pandemic by relying on science — even at the expense of her own popularity. Co-directors Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe craft an intimate portrait of Ardern’s journey, featuring footage shot by her husband and never-before heard audio interviews recorded while she was prime minister. As only the second head of state in the world to give birth while in office, she was relentlessly challenged to prove her competence as a leader, which is why stepping down earlier than expected was an act of confidence, not a sign of defeat." (Sundance Film Festival)

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