 |
| Lindsay Utz, Michelle Walshe and Jacinda Ardern in Park City Photo: Amber Wilkinson |
Among the big names attending Sundance yesterday was the former president of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern. She is the subject of Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe's thorough documentary, which followed her throughout her premiership.
When asked how she felt about watching the film with an audience, Ardern - whose honesty is a notable trait right through the film - said: "Well, I think everyone knows I'm a bit of a crier." She added: "That was the first time I've seen the final version and it's quite a lot to watch you on a screen. I've had some people from the film team tell me it was brave to put so much of myself and my husband Clarke and our family (in it). But it didn't feel brave to me, , I think, when you're in public service, you decide that you're going to put all of yourself out there.
"I think one of the gaps at the moment though is we don't see all of it when people are in leadership, And so this was an opportunity... to tell the whole story, all the highs and lows, the good, the bad and the ugly and I hope it helps us humanie leadership."
 |
| Jacinda Ardern: 'I think, when you're in public service, you decide that you're going to put all of yourself out there' Photo: Amber Wilkinson |
Speaking about positivity, Ardern added: "My view is that optimism is a courageous act. It takes investment, it's not passive. You have to keep fighting for it. You have to invest in it, you have to act on its behalf. So, please maintain the courage of optimism because we need it now more than ever."
Walshe added: "We were so lucky to have Jacinda turn up in New Zealand as the deputy leader of the opposition and we watched up close, this refreshing leadership that I'd never seen before in my lifetime. I'd never seen somebody lead unapologetically and with humanity. I feel so privileged to shine a light on that kind of leadership, which we need everywhere.I think people are inherently good. There's so much room for optimism and I'm just grateful we had a story to be able to highlight that."
Utz added: "I think it's important to have that dialogue with yourself, instead of letting yourself slip into cynicism, and go into a dark place, which is easy to do right now. T instead change the words in your head, the messages that you tell yourself day to day. There's a lot of challenges right now and I think it's a courageous act to tell yourself that things are going to work out. Things are going to be OK if we stay focused and put one foot in front of the other. I think it's a powerful message."
