Prime Minister: A Closer Look at Jacinda ardern’s Time in Office
The word “kindness” reverberates throughout the documentary “Prime Minister,” portraying a core principle driving Jacinda Ardern’s political beliefs. While this approach might initially seem naive,the film,a deeply intimate exploration of her six years as new Zealand’s Prime Minister,reveals how this humanitarian approach effectively shaped her successful career,propelling her to global political stardom.
Ardern’s tenure was a whirlwind of meaningful events. At 37, she unexpectedly ascended to the leadership of the Labor party and became Prime minister just seven weeks later, facing this monumental transition while also discovering she was pregnant. The world watched as she navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the devastating Christchurch mosque shooting, which tragically claimed the lives of 51 people.
Amidst these tumultuous times, Ardern implemented progressive policies, including stringent gun control measures, garnering international praise for her compassionate leadership.
In a surprising turn of events, Ardern abruptly resigned in 2023, citing a lack of energy to face future crises. As she poignantly stated, “I no longer have enough in the tank.”
“prime Minister” provides a raw and honest glimpse into the emotional toll of leadership, utilizing home videos captured by her partner, television host Clarke Gayford, whom she married after leaving office. This personal touch offers an intimate and captivating perspective on Ardern’s journey, allowing viewers to connect with the woman behind the politician.
A unique lens shines on New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the powerful documentary “Prime Minister.” Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film takes viewers on an intimate journey into Ardern’s life as she navigates momentous global events, offering a glimpse into the immense pressures and demands faced by world leaders in times of crisis.
Directorial duo Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe, known for their work on acclaimed documentaries like “American Factory,” weave together candid interviews conducted for a new zealand oral history project, recent conversations, and poignant archival news clips. This blend of perspectives offers a rare first-hand account of Ardern’s experience, showcasing both her personal strength and the toll that leadership demands.
While “prime Minister” opens with a seemingly personal scene of Ardern walking her young daughter to school in Massachusetts,where she is currently a fellow at Harvard,the documentary doesn’t linger on motherhood. Rather, it deftly balances personal moments with the weighty political backdrop, providing a nuanced perspective on Ardern’s journey.
The film masterfully captures Ardern’s compassionate response to the tragic Christchurch attack, where she swiftly condemned the act as terrorism and visited the victims’ families.”My job was to be the calm voice,” she reflects in the film, revealing the emotional depth behind her public composure. The documentary further showcases Ardern’s decisiveness as she led the passage of legislation banning the sale of semi-automatic and assault weapons.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, ardern quickly implemented stringent measures, including border closures and vaccine mandates, effectively mitigating the virus’s impact on New Zealand.this decisive approach, however, took a toll on her personal life, as revealed in a poignant scene where she discusses the challenges of breastfeeding amidst her demanding role.
“Prime Minister” is more than just a political biography; it’s a human story. The film skillfully contrasts Ardern’s leadership style with that of then-president Donald Trump, highlighting their starkly different approaches and worldviews.A scene showing Ardern listening to Trump’s 2018 UN address, where he declares “We reject the ideology of globalization,” speaks volumes about their divergent philosophies.
“Prime Minister” avoids dwelling on political intricacies, choosing instead to focus on ardern’s responses in real-time. The result is a raw and insightful portrait of a leader grappling with unprecedented challenges, making it a timely and compelling watch.
Jacinda Ardern’s global image resonated with her message of international cooperation. In a poignant juxtaposition, footage of her facing reporters after an event contrasts sharply with her subsequent address at the United Nations. when questioned about her feelings towards Donald Trump, she stated, “We see ourselves as a member of an international community,” deflecting the question with a sense of graceful diplomacy. in her U.N. speech, she eloquently advocated for “kindness” as a starting point in the face of “isolationism, protectionism, racism.”
The documentary further illuminates the stark differences in approach between Ardern and other world leaders. In a striking scene, news audio layered over images of memorials and prayers for victims of a mosque attack reveals Trump’s offer of support. ardern’s response, “Sympathy and love for all Muslim communities,” stands in stark contrast to the prevailing political climate.
The film delves into Ardern’s decision to resign, capturing the strain and exhaustion she experienced. Anti-vaccination protesters had occupied Parliament grounds, and threats of violence loomed over her and her family. Camcorder footage shot by her partner, Clarke Gayford, poignantly portrays her weariness, her face etched with fatigue as she cradles her daughter and describes unsettling dreams. When asked to summarize her week,her words convey a sense of despair: “If there is a subterraneal space that sits beneath hell,that,” she states,her voice heavy with exhaustion.
In an interview for the documentary, Ardern reflects on her decision, emphasizing her achievements and the potential for reversal if she were no longer in office. “if we remove me from the equation, then perhaps we won’t backslide on those things,” she states. While her words convey sincerity, the film chooses to downplay the stark reality of her declining poll numbers, which had plummeted to 30 percent, partly due to a struggling post-COVID economy.
Despite its occasional omissions and the certain glossiness that comes with insider access, the documentary offers a compelling portrait of Ardern. Its persuasive narrative might leave viewers yearning for the chance to cast their vote for this remarkable leader.
What specific challenges did Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz face in gaining access to archival footage and personal home videos for the film “Prime Minister”?
Interview with Filmmaker Michelle Walshe on “Prime Minister”
Michelle Walshe,documentary filmmaker and co-director of the powerful new film “Prime Minister,” took some time to discuss Jacinda Ardern’s compelling story,the challenges of capturing such a high-profile subject,and the lasting impact of her leadership.
How did you and Lindsay Utz first become interested in telling Jacinda Ardern’s story?
We were both deeply moved by Ardern’s reaction to the Christchurch mosque shootings and her compassionate leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.We felt her story was not only vital for New Zealand but offered valuable insights into global leadership, especially during times of crisis.
The film blends archival footage, recent interviews, and personal home videos. What was the process of gathering such diverse materials?
Gaining access to both archival footage and personal moments like Clarke Gayford’s home videos was crucial. We wanted to offer a multi-faceted view of Ardern, not just as a political figure but as a woman navigating family life, immense pressure, and global challenges.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about jacinda Ardern during the filmmaking process?
We were struck by her deep empathy and genuine concern for the wellbeing of her people. It wasn’t just about political solutions, she truly seemed to carry the weight of their anxieties and hopes on her shoulders.
How did you approach the decision to focus less on explicit political complexities and more on Ardern’s personal responses and emotional journeys?
We felt that Ardern’s humanity and the sheer weight of the decisions she faced transcended partisan politics.By focusing on her personal experiences, we hoped to connect with viewers on a deeper emotional level and create a more universal understanding of her leadership.
“Prime Minister” offers a thought-provoking comparison between Ardern’s approach and that of other world leaders, especially Donald Trump. What was your intention in highlighting these contrasting styles?
We wanted to showcase the different ways leaders approach global challenges. By presenting Ardern’s empathetic and collaborative approach alongside the more divisive rhetoric of others,we aimed to spark a conversation about the values and strategies that shape global events.
What do you hope viewers will take away from “Prime Minister”?
We hope viewers will gain a deeper understanding of jacinda Ardern’s leadership, both her successes and the tremendous sacrifices she made. We also hope the film will inspire reflection on the qualities we need in leaders, especially in challenging times.
