'Prime Minister,' featuring New Zealand's charismatic former leader Jacinda Ardern, gears up for the Oscar documentary branch voters' ballot.

Who captured the most attention at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival? While Hollywood stars like Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Colman, Daniel Kaluuya, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rose Byrne, and Sara Bareilles drew crowds, one figure from the political realm generated unprecedented enthusiasm: former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Ardern attended Sundance for the world premiere of a documentary titled Prime Minister, directed by Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe. The former PM resigned in January 2023, yet her appearance at the festival created a buzz that few celebrities matched. Utz recalled, We couldnt go anywhere without being stopped, noting that Arderns husband Clarke Gayford also drew attention with his charm and presence.

The documentary, now available on HBO Max and CNNs streaming platform, chronicles Arderns rise to leadership at age 37. She became leader of the New Zealand Labour Party in 2017 after her predecessor stepped down amid poor polling results. With no traditional grooming for leadership, Ardern relied on authenticity. Utz commented, She showed up unapologetically as herself. No one told her to be a certain wayshe was just thrown into it and had no choice but to be genuine.

This authenticity resonated with voters, enabling her to lead the Labour Party to an unexpected victory. Ardern assumed office in October 2017, becoming the youngest world leader at the time. Clarke Gayford documented much of her journey, capturing intimate moments as Ardern navigated political challenges and motherhood.

During her tenure, Ardern faced significant crises, including the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019, prompting immediate reform in gun laws. She also led New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic, maintaining low infection rates despite backlash from anti-vaccine and politically conservative groups. Remarkably, she managed these responsibilities while raising her daughter, Neve, born in 2018, making her only the second world leader to give birth in office.

Her resignation in January 2023 surprised many, leading her to fellowships at Harvard and later Oxford Universitys Blavatnik School of Government. Earlier this year, she published a memoir titled A Different Kind of Power, emphasizing leadership guided by kindness and empathy.

The documentary, currently contending for Academy Awards, will open in the UK soon. With Ardern, Gayford, and Neve now based in Britain, audiences there will have the chance to engage in Q&A sessions. Utz highlighted the familys warmth and humor, particularly noting Neves charm and intelligence, which shine through in the film.

Utz emphasized the films emotional breadth: It was important to us to preserve humor and authenticity. The best films take viewers on a journey, and this story offers joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

Author: Sophia Brooks