Prime Minister

In August 2017, in the lead-up to national elections, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly became New Zealand’s opposition party leader. up to national elections. She had just turned 37. Two frenetic months later, she was Prime Minister. Just before the final vote was in, she discovered she was pregnant. She would become only the second head of state in history to give birth while in office.

Ardern quickly became one of the most recognizable leaders in the world. She drew global attention from people craving a sensitive and compassionate approach to the critical issues of our time. In private, she struggled with being a mother and proving herself to a public skeptical of women’s leadership. A series of crises–the Christchurch massacre, pandemic lockdowns, and disinformation-fueled protests outside Parliament–would test that leadership and the feminine touch she brought to it. She resigned from office in January 2023, shocking her supporters and critics alike.

Going behind the scenes of her administration and her private life, Prime Minister follows Jacinda
for seven years as she is catapulted to the top of New Zealand politics, becomes a feminist political icon, resigns suddenly from office and continues to champion the fight against isolationism, fear, and the distortion of truth. Intimate home footage shot by her husband and audio interviews that Jacinda did while in office give us unparalleled access. Along with in-depth contemporaneous interviews, these form the emotional backbone of the story, giving viewers an unfiltered window into her years in power.

The world is at a perilous political crossroads. Trust in institutions, expertise, and liberal democracy itself are under dire strain. Which direction will we go? Prime Minister leaves viewers wondering what the world might be like with more Jacindas at the helm.

Building on 836M’s long-standing tradition of screening thought-provoking documentaries at our venue, we are thrilled to venture beyond our walls to San Francisco’s iconic Roxie Theater for the launch of our first mini documentary festival: 836M FEST.

836M Fest‘s inaugural program features two powerful films—Porcelain War and Prime Minister—curated by Annie Roney, founder and CEO of ROCO Films.

836M is an arts organization presenting concept-driven exhibitions and programming that feature living artists developing and sharing works-in-progress, both within the gallery space and throughout San Francisco. In addition to these exhibitions, 836M offers a range of free programs including a concert series, an ephemeral mural initiative, and a documentary series.

Visit: https://836m.org/