Prime Minister

In August 2017, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly became New Zealand’s opposition party leader just weeks before the national election. She had just turned 37 years old. Two frenetic months later, she was Prime Minister and had just learned she was pregnant. She would become 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, drawing global attention from anyone craving a sensitive and compassionate approach to the critical issues of our time. In private, she struggled with new motherhood and proving herself to a public skeptical of female leadership. A series of crises — the Christchurch massacre, pandemic lockdowns, and disinformation-fueled protests outside Parliament — would test that leadership and the unique approach she brought to it. She resigned from office in January 2023, shocking her supporters and critics alike. Magnolia Pictures, HBO Documentary Films, CNN Films, and Madison Wells present PRIME MINISTER, a Dark Doris production in association with Divergent Pictures. Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz; produced by Cass Avery, Clarke Gayford, Leon Kirkbeck, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, and Katie Peck; executive produced by Chris Matson and Michael Cleaver; edited by Grace Zahrah and Enat Sidi.