Her story, her way – Dame Valerie opens up
If Dame Valerie Adams’ life story was told as a fiction novel, nobody would believe it, says the producer of her new documentary More Than Gold.
The trailer for the feature documentary, based on the life of one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting athletes, was released yesterday, ahead of its nationwide cinema debut on October 20.
The documentary is said to be a story of a mother, a Tongan leader, a daughter, a sister and a survivor that ‘‘will resonate with ordinary New Zealanders in an extraordinarily human way’’.
‘‘I want people to laugh, I want people to cry, I want people to be with me in the serious moments but then I want people to celebrate. I’ve told my story, my own way,’’ Dame Valerie said.
Much of the documentary focuses on Adams’ challenging journey to the Tokyo Olympics as a mother of two in the twilight of her career but it also features her little-known backstory and shows the balance of being a mother and a professional athlete.
The two-time Olympic shot put champion is said to share ‘‘her story with honesty and vulnerability exposing her in a way few high-profile people dare.
‘‘For those who have faced hardship, lost someone they loved, or held onto a dream, this film will deliver,’’ the documentary’s makers said.
The documentary’s producer, Leanne Pooley, said she was proud ‘‘to have made an honest film about a Kiwi icon that goes way beyond the ordinary sports documentary.
‘‘Dame Valerie opened herself up, sharing a story of resilience and tenacity that is almost incomprehensible. If it was fiction no one would believe it.’’
Director Briar March said there is more to Dame Valerie’s story than most Kiwis would expect.
‘‘She has overcome significant challenges to achieve her dreams.
‘‘A film about what matters most and looks at the strength it takes to look beyond our limitations and circumstances and reach our potential,’’ March said.
The documentary has been released by Transmission Films and Eight Productions in association with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga – the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).