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River of Freedom

  • 2023
  • 2h 34m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
244
YOUR RATING
River of Freedom (2023)
River of Freedom is a New Zealand feature documentary film about the 3-week occupation of the capital city of Wellington in February and March 2022. The film examines the conditions that led to thousands of diverse New Zealanders from across the country coming out to protest, and the reasons behind their determination to stay camping as a community on Parliament lawn. 

The people were primarily protesting mandatory vaccination requirements as the New Zealand Government had legislated the entire population be vaccinated for COVID-19. New Zealanders who chose to manage their risk of getting sick or dying from COVID-19 in other ways were forcefully removed from jobs, businesses and livelihoods. 

The film examines the coercion and propaganda directed at the New Zealand population by the media and government; it exposes the risks known, but not revealed to the population about the safety profile of the vaccine, as deaths from vaccine injury mount up; it discusses an High Court win whereby compulsory vaccination for New Zealand Police and Defence Force staff was found to be unlawful; and, it explores how the self-sustaining community on Parliament lawn evolved with the help of Maori and many diverse groups of Kiwis. 

Featuring the music of Eric Clapton, Right Said Fred and many New Zealand artists.

The protestors were finally forcefully evicted by Police on 2 March using pepper spray, ramming shields and sponge bullets, many directed at media, including our filmmakers recording this event, and who suffered injury.
Play trailer2:44
1 Video
10 Photos
Documentary

When the New Zealand Government enforce mandatory vaccination on the workforce, many rebel. They convoy to Parliament in protest but are ignored by politicians, ridiculed by media and smashe... Read allWhen the New Zealand Government enforce mandatory vaccination on the workforce, many rebel. They convoy to Parliament in protest but are ignored by politicians, ridiculed by media and smashed by police after a 23-day occupation.When the New Zealand Government enforce mandatory vaccination on the workforce, many rebel. They convoy to Parliament in protest but are ignored by politicians, ridiculed by media and smashed by police after a 23-day occupation.

  • Director
    • Gaylene Barnes
  • Writer
    • Gaylene Barnes
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    244
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Gaylene Barnes
    • Writer
      • Gaylene Barnes
    • 50User reviews
    • 6Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    River of Freedom TRAILER
    Trailer 2:44
    River of Freedom TRAILER

    Photos9

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    User reviews50

    6.4244
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    Featured reviews

    brucehamilton-15787

    Historical NZ documentary

    A tragic yet uplifting account about the strength and community spirit that is still alive in New Zealand today despite the government oppression we are all living under. Makes me proud to be a part of this spirit. I believe the documentary was very balanced in its portrayal of the events and showed the current administrations utter contempt for the people it is supposed to represent.

    It showcased the incredible diversity we have, culturally, ethnically and religiously and how this is a strength to be cherished.

    Incredible that nearly all those involved maintained an attitude of love and peace throughout even when put under constant adverse conditions.
    10bertnernie-14357

    A must for ALL NEW ZEALANDERS

    Friday night we went to Hastings to watch River of Freedom. Although it was important to show snippets of Adern..Hipkins Doomfield etc this got me instantly angry!..but soon recovered as the movie of Love and Unity progressed.

    A well put together account with no "Penfold" or " Hollywood" over dramatization involved. Straight from the Heart is what it is.

    If any thing is to be " Mandated " then this film should be in that ALL NEW ZEALANDERS NEED to WATCH!! This would be an amazing "REALITY CHECK" for all and I belive this could be the start of saving our wonderful country. Bruce Porter,Patoka ,Hawkes Bay...and yes I was there.
    6saulov-14902

    A Visual Journey Through New Zealand's Protests

    River of Freedom offers stunning images into the Wellington protests in New Zealand, where people rallied against the govt and its covid vaccine mandates. However, the documentary's runtime of 2.5 hours felt excessive, it spends too much time on irrelevant details about things happening inside the freedom village while I was expecting to see more about the facts that led to the protest and the outcomes.

    The documentary excels in showcasing the striking visuals and impressive organization behind the protest. I was particularly impressed with the industrial kitchen set up to feed the protesters. While the documentary primarily focuses on the protest itself, I was expecting to see more about how dangerous govt overreach on people's life can be. I think this documentary has greater appeal for those who attended the protest only.
    10alycookpr

    A story that needed to be told

    A must watch for every kiwi and soon the world. To see a prime minister who gladly created a two their society .. the darling of the WEF and the world who was basically evil to her own people .. I am proud to say I was there and we were on the right side of history .. The sense of community was amazing .. I was there for my vaccine injured son who still suffers from Chronic myocarditis over a year later at only 26 diagnosed by drs but little they can do for it.. I will continue to stand up until the gov reconise and start helping the 65000 kiwis who suffered Vax injuries. This film is beautifully made lovely cinematography, great sound .. a top level production. I truly hope this film goes international.
    8y-51088

    Everyone in NZ needs to see this!

    This film is about one of the most important events in recent New Zealand history. While most people have seen the 'mainstream' talking points about the event, this documentary focuses on the perspectives of the people at the protest. For those who do not agree with the occupiers, go and see to understand the perspective of those that were there. For those who didn't make it to the protest, watch to see how harmonious it was. And for those who went, watch to remember that you were part of a historic moment.

    This documentary is worthwhile watching, it shows the impact of the vaccine on people's lives, and the impact of the mandates on many people.

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    FAQ14

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • September 7, 2023 (New Zealand)
    • Country of origin
      • New Zealand
    • Official sites
      • Homepage
      • Official website
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • New Zealand Parliament Grounds, 1 Museum Street, Pipitea, Wellington, New Zealand
    • Production companies
      • AWA Films
      • Braided Films
      • Five Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $212,433
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 2h 34m(154 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • D-Cinema 48kHz 5.1

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