River of Freedom

Two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, in a bid to control the outbreak, the government mandated vaccination for all health, disability and education workers, and for close contact venue staff. Some Kiwi citizens took issue with the policy, and in early 2022 thousands of protestors travelled to Wellington in a convoy and occupied parliament grounds to voice their opposition to the vaccine mandates. This documentary looks at the 23-day standoff from an inside perspective, capturing who the protestors were, what they were fighting for, and the subsequent government and police response.

Personally I’m pro-vaccination, but having to sack people because they don’t take a vaccination is in my book just immoral.

– Alistair Boyce, owner of The Backbencher pub near parliament

Key Cast & Crew

Russel Walder

Composer

Julian Arahanga

Producer

Robin Monotti Graziadei

Executive Producer

Jared Connon

Producer

Mark Lapwood

Producer, Cinematographer

Gaylene Barnes

Director, Writer, Producer, Editor, Camera Operator