The Weight of Change

Our film aims to highlight the inner struggles of a politician who strives to create change, no matter the personal cost. It showcases the private life and workings of a politician on her journey from entering politics to become the leader of her party. It also addresses some of the biggest issues facing New Zealand – rising homelessness, some of the worst mental health statistics in the OECD, the effects of capitalism on small communities and the appointment of a right-wing government that goes against everything that Chlöe stands for. It elevates a discussion around the need for us all to engage with our own communities and to never give up interrogating and holding to account those who are within the halls of power.

Chlöe has a saying that “change is a mirror, reflected back at you.” We want to show people that they themselves can be the change if they choose to engage in it.

We believe that film is one of the most powerful tools we have to deepen our understanding of the world around us and to create meaningful social impact. Our film is designed to ask big questions around the role of politics in our lives, as well as how working in politics changes you. We want to encourage people to engage in politics – to vote, to understand at a deep level what and who they are voting for – but we also want to highlight the ways in which change can be made outside of politics, within communities. We want to ensure that people never give up hope that change is possible, and that by uplifting the voices from grassroots organisations and people who are on-the-ground with vulnerable communities, we can be the change that we seek.

We are wanting to employ an impact strategy that focuses on two targets – raising money for charities that are aligned with Chlöe’s values, and starting discussions around the failings of our political system and the mental health implications on our politicians. This would look like community-led screenings hosted by various relevant organisations and charities, as well as engaging Chlöe’s fans to host their own “screening parties”. We will also look to connect with various worldwide networks for women in politics and female empowerment, as well as LGBTQIA+ initiatives and other organisations that align with Chlöe’s values. Our aim is to highlight the fact that if we continue to create a system that keeps the best people out of politics because of the inhumane way in which it’s designed, we will never see meaningful change.

Our access to these communities is primarily through Chlöe and her team, but throughout filming we have built some strong relationships with several organisations. Currently we are set to self-distribute in New Zealand, and this gives us great flexibility to focus our impact campaign on social change, rather than profit. This means we will prioritise community screenings, fundraising events and build a sense of community around the film itself.

Engage in politics. Get involved with your communities. Our political system might be flawed, but in a world that is increasingly polarised, we must come together in order to demand better for humanity. Your voice matters. Register to vote.