UFO Rodeo and its long-form production arm Dark Doris are riding high this week after receiving the World Cinema Documentary Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival for their latest work, PRIME MINISTER.
It is a proud moment for UFO Rodeo and its team of creatives at Dark Doris who have crafted a brave and powerful story of leadership that brings Aotearoa to the foreground on a highly esteemed world stage.
PRIME MINISTER is an intimate view inside the political and private life of former New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern – capturing her five challenging years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership, both locally and across the globe.
Dark Doris co-produced the documentary with Madison Wells (USA), while the agency’s Co-founder and Director Michelle Walshe (Chasing Great) directed the film alongside Academy Award-winning editor Lindsay Utz.
Once-in-a-generation
Speaking of the recent accolade, Michelle 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 and invites audiences to reflect on what we should expect from those who shape our future in these increasingly divided times.”
Dark Doris Producer Cass Avery, known for Chasing Great, Hot Potato: the Story of the Wiggles, Black Coast Vanishings and Girl on the Bridge adds, “Dark Doris loves to push boundaries – telling bold and extraordinary stories that change the way people see the world. We are thrilled that the documentary has received such high recognition and 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 and no New Zealand Film Commission or NZ taxpayer funding has been sought or granted in relation to the production.
A New Zealand release date has not yet been announced for the film.
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