EPISODE 181 - PRIME MINISTER TRANSCONTINENTAL COLLABORATION

Prime Minister Directors Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz recorded June 3, 2025, 33 minutes

Chuck Braverman speaks with filmmakers Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz about their extraordinary documentary chronicling the rise and leadership of the former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. What began as a humble idea — sparked by Walshe’s husband casually noting Ardern’s compelling presence years before she took office — evolved into a seven-year journey capturing unprecedented, intimate access to one of the most admired global leaders of our time. Theatrical release now by Magnolia Pictures followed by HBO and CNN broadcasts, the documentary couldn’t be more timely. As Braverman notes, the contrast between Ardern’s empathetic governance and the current political climate is stark and inspiring. Stealthy years of footage collection led to the challenges of international financing and the power of transcontinental collaboration.