UFO Rodeo and Dark Doris have won at the Sundance Film Festival for their latest work, Prime Minister
The team are riding high after receiving the World Cinema Documentary Audience Award.
It’s a proud moment for UFO Rodeo and its long-form production arm, Dark Doris. Their brave and powerful story of leadership spotlights Aotearoa on the world stage.
Prime Minister is an intimate look inside the political and private life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. It captures her five challenging years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership, locally and across the globe.
Dark Doris co-produced the documentary with Madison Wells (USA). UFO Rodeo Co-founder and Director Michelle Walshe (Chasing Great) directed, alongside Academy Award-winning editor Lindsay Utz.
A once-in-a-generation film
Walshe says: “This is a once-in-a-generation film that offers an intimate perspective on leadership in some of the most challenging moments of recent history. It’s a rare look behind the scenes of what it means to lead at the highest level – through crisis, change, and uncertainty. More than politics, this film explores the essence of leadership itself. It invites audiences to reflect on what we should expect from those who shape our future in increasingly divided times.”
Dark Doris Producer Cass Avery is known for Chasing Great, Hot Potato: the Story of the Wiggles, Black Coast Vanishings and Girl on the Bridge. She adds: “Dark Doris loves to push boundaries – telling bold and extraordinary stories that change the way people see the world. We are thrilled the documentary has received such high recognition. We couldn’t be prouder of the work we have delivered and the talented team we have around us.”
NZ release date still to come
CEO of UFO Rodeo Leon Kirkbeck says: “We set out 15 years ago to tell stories that create positive change for people and the planet. Having an international audience be so moved by this New Zealand story feels like the absolute embodiment of that goal.”
Dark Doris Entertainment and Wells hold full editorial discretion over the film. No New Zealand Film Commission or NZ taxpayer funding was sought or granted in relation to the production.
A New Zealand release date is yet to be announced.