$800k of public cash to help fund Ardern film

The New Zealand Film Commission has approved $800,000 in public funding for a $3.2 million feature film on Dame Jacinda Ardern, amid questions about whether it will see a commercial return.

According to a synopsis provided by the NZFC, the documentary will explore the “mania” that propelled Ardern’s rise as a young political leader and how that “later collided with a backlash of hate”.

The as-yet-untitled movie is neither authorised nor endorsed by Ardern but has received “significant foreign investment and international interest”, says NZFC chief executive Annie Murray.

It is being developed by documentary film-makers Pietra Brettkelly and Justin Pemberton and will be produced by Firefly Studios, headed by Emma Slade.

It comes as the NZFC restructures itself in a fast-moving film and audience world, with plans to axe up to 21 roles. Affected staff are currently in a consultation phase.

The NZFC is chaired by Alastair Carruthers, who is a close friend of Ardern and attended her wedding this summer. He recused himself from the decision to fund the movie, Murray said.

“NZFC staff provide recommendations and the NZFC board signs off funding at this level,” she said.

“All assessors are required to adhere to conflict of interest procedures, and potential conflicts are noted where applicable.

“In this case, our chair recused himself from the decision-making on this project. All assessors are also required to adhere to our policy on political neutrality.”

Murray was confident the film, which has been in development for several years, would be a success.

Production is expected to start this year with a likely release date of August 2025.

“There is significant investment from both local and international partners, which indicates market confidence there is an audience for this film in NZ and overseas,” she said.

In a synopsis, the documentary is described as “a social excavation of the rise and fall of the young female leader, Jacinda Ardern, exploring how the mania that propelled her rise later collided with a backlash of hate, told through a bold mash-up of media and peer archive”.

Murray said Ardern had no editorial involvement in the film.