theeditbutton8
Historically Significant
This is an important and nuanced documentary from the people's perspective. From those that were actually there, that listened to their neighbour's. Listened to their heartbreak and humanity. Cried with them on the front line of a battle for social ethics that our grandparents had already won. Suffered with them through wind, rain, muck and baby sharks only to be met by deafening silence.
See past the prejudice du jour labels: mis, dis, mal, alt... Sad terms of division that have already tainted a generation.
See this historically significant New Zealand film and decide the truth for yourself. It may not be the single source of truth on the subject, but you can tell your neighbour all about it.
@USA_Law
A Word to the UNVACCINATED! I salute the unvaccinated for their bravery against all odds... THEY ARE HEROS!
MESSAGE TO THE UNVACCINATED:
"Even if I were pollinated and fully vaccinated, I would admire the unvaccinated for withstanding the greatest pressure I have ever seen, even from partners, parents, children, friends, colleagues and doctors.
People who were capable of such personality, courage and critical ability are undoubtedly the best of humanity. They are everywhere, in all ages, levels of education, states and ideas. They are of a special kind; they are the soldiers that every army of light wants to have in its ranks. They are the parents that every child wants to have and the children that every parent dreams of having. They are beings above the average of their societies, they are the essence of the people who have built all cultures and conquered horizons. They are there, next to you, they look normal, but they are superheroes.
They did what others could not, they were the tree that withstood the hurricane of insults, discrimination and social exclusion. And they did it because they thought they were alone, and believed they were the only ones.
Banned from their families' tables at Christmas, they never saw anything so cruel. They lost their jobs, let their careers sink, had no more money … but they didn't care. They suffered immeasurable discrimination, denunciation, betrayal and humiliation … but they kept going.
Never before in humanity has there been such a "casting", now we know who are the best on planet Earth. Women, men, old, young, rich, poor, of all races or religions, the unvaccinated, the chosen of the invisible ark, the only ones who managed to resist when everything collapsed.
That's you, you passed an unimaginable test that many of the toughest Marines, Commandos, Green Berets, astronauts and geniuses could not withstand.
You are made of the stuff of the greatest who ever lived, those heroes born among ordinary men who glow in the dark."
Anon
brucehamilton-157878
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.
coharanz8
Outstanding documentary
This was outstanding. It captures the reality of the protest so accurately, the authenticity of the people involved and the tragedy in how the protestors were treated by a corrupt government and out of control police force acting illegally.
This document is a must to see but it goes further than that. It should be aired on tv, and it should be part of the curriculum in schools, documenting this historic protest, the plight of the people, and the tyranny our government subjected us to while using the New Zealand Police to act in the most disgusting, and embarrassing way possible on the people of New Zealand. This documentary counters the propaganda previously published by New Zealand's paid off media who are also guilty of disgusting acts on the protestors.
geoffchamberschch8
Awesome movie
This is an awesome movie. It's nice to actually get to see the real truth about what happened instead of having to put up with the governments garbage propaganda all the time. It's funny, it's sad, but it's the truth, and it needs to be seen by all. It shows the level of corruption that we the people have been getting subjected to, and it is truly frightening.
I absolutely believe that everybody in the country should watch this movie to get a true perspective of what truly happened, and what the reasons behind it were.
The organization that went into this from all the participants was huge. The filming and editing was great.
welly238
A moving recall of a time govt exceed its powers.
It was a very moving documentary. And I was surprised to see the Embassy Theatre overbooked for the premiere It made me realise how people's lives were impacted by an unnecessary mandate. Being overseas at the time I didn't realise there was convoys from all over New Zealand, similar to the one in Canada.
Also, it showed a really rare moment where thousand of people protested in New Zealand and got unified against unfair decisions and the danger of government overreach on people rights and freedom.
The only negative point would be the length of the documentary. It could have been shortened slightly.
y-510888
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.
bertnernie-143579
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.
WildAloofRebelNZ8
A Wild Ride
Amazing documentary capturing the true essence of the New Zealand convoy and protests that started from the top of the north island and the bottom of the South Island, converging on parliament grounds in Wellington. People from all walks of life, views and religions against the New Zealand government mandates.
Every day people who stood up for themselves, their families, communities, their mana and sovereignty. Their freedoms and right to choose medical treatments.
A documentary funded by the people, for the people from experienced film makers that will take you on a wild ride. A New Zealand piece of history.
Strong, powerful, uplifting voices that just wanted to be heard. Go see it and decide for yourself!
truthmama-912679
An Important Record of a Dark Time in New Zealand's history
This is an important and powerful record of a dark time in our nation's history. The documentary stays true to the lived experience of the harms caused to ordinary Kiwis by the unlawful vaccine mandates that violated the New Zealand Bill of Rights and medical ethics. Whatever your view on the Govt's covid policy response, the film clearly shows there were serious harms experienced by both protestors and those who complied with the mandates. You will hear the painful stories from protestors who were excluded from even their own churches and business owners who had to reluctantly dismiss valued employees and those harmed by the vaccine.
The documentary also includes the voices of those heroic and courageous health care professionals who risked their livelihoods and professional reputations to warn the public of potential harms.
The cinematography and music is beautiful and poignant and for someone who attended the protest, provides a much needed catharsis. The film also captures the on the ground operations of an organic, functioning and nurturing community village established by the protestors against all odds. Not many people watching the mainstream account will know the likes of Sir Russel Coutts visited the village. This is contrasted by the government's response and their ignorance of the protestors (many who had voted Labour) to meet with and discuss their concerns.
The attacks from the main stream media and the attempts to demonise and propagandise protestor's genuine concerns, and the brutality of the NZ Police in their response to remove the protestors is honestly documented.
The only suggestion I would have is the length of the documentary and that it may need to be shortened for a wider audience.
Thank you River of Freedom for showing us that there was a serious attempt to subvert the values and laws of our nation and of the individual human heart and spirit and that these cannot be broken.
God defend our free land.
Ona mano tangata Kiri whero, kiri ma, Iwi Maori, Pakeha, Rupeke katoa, Nei ka tono ko nga he Mau e whakaahu ke, Kia ora marire Aotearoa
From dissension, envy, hate, And corruption guard our state, Make our country good and great, God defend New Zealand.
Bbq-532719
A beautiful film full of despair and hope in equal measure
This documentary film about the history making protest in New Zealand's parliament grounds in 2022 doesn't tell you what to think. It gently weaves a narrative together from the strands of tales of the individuals who attended the protest and allows you room to come to your conclusion. From the beginning of the protest when people had so much hope, the juxtaposition of the violence that ended the protest was jarring in its brutality and you can't help but feel that justice is yet to be served in New Zealand in regards to the government's extreme response to Covid and in particular the imposition of vaccine mandates. The skill of the filmmakers is to show the humanity of the people who just want to be heard by those who are supposed to serve them. A devastating film that should be compulsory viewing for every New Zealander.
phyllisosborne9
An Iconic Moment in New Zealand
Great record of a historic protest in New Zealand.
There was no coverage from mainstream media at the time except to condemn the protesters, it's great to see a more well rounded view of the events at the time and the events leading up to the protest.
Can't wait for part two, when answers to the following questions are sort:
Why did Trevor Mallard turn on the sprinklers at parliament when there were people camping on the grounds and why did he play loud music to drain out the protesters who were exercising their rights
Why did every sitting politician avoid the protesters, they were obviously not in danger since they had such a strong Police presence
Why did the Police employ such violent tactics and why have no charges been laid against Police officers that employed unreasonable violence (why are they above the law)
sailormum8
A gripping look into the anti-mandate protest on the grounds of parliament in New Zealand during the time of covid mandates
A moving documentary capturing the spirit of unity as government mandated overreach compelled people from different walks of life to convoy from the furthest reaches of New Zealand to the doorstep of government in Wellington for 23 days. Stunning cinematography tells an incredible story of resilience as government propaganda was unleashed on protestors through state owned media and a police force willing to use brutal force against their own citizens who simply wanted covid mandates to end. A heartfelt original soundtrack accompanies this story told through the voices and imagery of people who had lost their jobs, family, friends, and livelihoods, with nothing left but their courage, standing up against an oppressively juvenile government, wild forces of nature, and a bewildered nation who were subjected to a daily onslaught of biased media reports. An excellent study of how government controlled the narrative and of how quickly the protestors took care of their needs during the occupation of parliament.
aucklandir8
An awesome historical documentary
As an attendee it was an accurate and insightful documented revelation about what occurred in Wellington and why so many people were passionate about defending their right to choose medical autonomy - something that was enshrined in NZ and international legislation but ignored by those governing the country and leading our public healthcare. Highly recommend this be shown as part of school curriculum as any significant historical event and the power that can happen when people come together for a sensational cause and defence of their rights. This angle and footage was definitely not conveyed by mainstream media.
jeanette-199608
Stunning!
You captured the feeling of the Freedom Convoy and the Freedom village beautifully. I hadn't realized how far back I had pushed the painful memories. Thank you so much for telling the true story of what happened. It was good to see the contrast at each stage between what we were experiencing and what our treasonous government did/said.
Stunning soundtrack, so good to see so many of the musicians that were at the protest featured in the movie. I marvelled at how good you managed to get mobile phone footage on such a large screen.
The audiences reaction to the key players spoke volumes and added to the impact of the evening.
Bless you all for what you have done sharing our story.
lancerach-712119
Beautiful, raw and truthful cinematic experience
This movie is a beautifully crafted exploration of the parliament anti-mandate protest. It's truthful and raw in its footage over the 23 days and who the people were, why they were there and what they wanted. They were just everyday kiwis!
All creeds, ages and types of people from NZ culture were there! I was very moved and it's shown how the government ignored the cries of its people. This govt has damaged NZ. But the film has left us with a sense of hope and love for each other. Thankyou to everyone involved in bringing this movie to life. I liked the showing of news snippets and then what was really going on. The media are so complicit in spreading mis-information about the people who camped on the lawn at this time. Shame on you all.
By the way. Marama Fox was excellent.
donnabru-024498
A must watch documentary
A very well produced documentary.showing the real story behind the parliament protest. All New Zealanders should watch as the main stream media portrayed a completely different story at the time of the protests. It tells the story of who the people were, why they were protesting and what happened. It told lots of peoples different perspectives. It was amazing how the people came together and organised themselves. The food kitchen, medical area, yoga areas to mention a few were impressive set ups. People from all walks of life came together and supported each other. The sound track and filming were outstanding.
kimilena9
A piece of history
Having been part of the convoy and attended the Freedom Village, River of Freedom accurately portrays what I and my friends experienced.
The film takes you through a whole array of emotions - from the enormously uplifting and life-affirming feelings of societal unity and the innate goodness of people, through the frustration of the mainstream media's inaccurate portrayal of the events, to the horrors of the violence inflicted.
It shows in stark contrast, the old hierarchical, patriarchal system where communicating with those who hold a difference of opinion is not entertained nor tolerated, and the new system of unity consciousness based on the foundation that more can be achieved if we work together than work against each other.
I have never been involved in anything political, nor attended any kind of protest, ever, until this situation happened.
This film captures the essence of why so many value-driven people were called to action.
#RiverofFreedom.
tkqrqyy9
Great documentary
I went to watch the premiere of this documentary at the embassy cinema in Wellington, New Zealand.
This documentary really captured the true essence of the convoy/protest. Interviews with real people that where there for what they believed in. Regular kiwi's who travelled all the way from the top and bottom of the country to meet in New Zealand's capital city to have their voices heard.
Most of all it portrayed how the people of New Zealand were ignored by all members of their government, vilified by the mainstream media an brutalised by the Police force.
Thanks to all the people involved who put this together.
davesepiphone9
Beautifully crafted documentary
Moving depiction of one of the darkest moments in New Zealands history. Wonderfully shot and edited. River of freedom showed the power of a corrupt narrative on a small nation mislead by a populist Prime Minister who came to believe she was the Mother Teresa of the South Pacific. There's no narration which makes the message all the more powerful. The drone photography added immensely to the visual impact with sweeping movements high above New Zealands parliament dwarfing the protestors tents. New Zealanders politicians agreed unanimously to not speak to the protestors proclaiming them as terrorists. This documentary will only become all the more powerful with the passing of time and will serve as a poignant warning against government over reach masquerading as safety.
alycookpr10
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.
ridingby9
Documentary - When a government overreaches the people stand up
This followed from the eyes of those with cameras and film makers on the journey into the protest at Wellington, the capital city in New Zealand. This has taken footage from many sources and bought it together in an extremely comprehensive way. It follows from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South. Shows the incomprehensible reaction from a Government which was creating an overreach into the lives of all New Zealanders.
With livliehoods being lost, mortgages at risk of not being paid people did what they could, this shows those who came - but also those who supported them to come.
The Prime Minister, is shown from footage from the main stream media, saying that there is a two tier society, that Covid would hunt down the unvaccinated, but never acknowledged those who were injured by the vaccinations.
The parliamentary parties refused to come and see the people but sent in the riot police ....
Jkingsmith9
Essential viewing, especially for those who didn't attend the protest
I wasn't there. I only watched events unfold across public-access media platforms - a narrative constructed to illustrate one viewpoint only. I didn't hear the stories of the people who gathered in thousands on Parliament grounds.
Until now. Until this...
Here is a documentary that never resorts to hyperbole or over-dramatisation. There is no voice-over narrator to manipulate the viewer's opinions. Instead, the film consists largely of people describing their experience of the mandates, their reasons for participating in the protest, and the historical events that they witnessed.
The film is immaculately constructed. The cinematography often exquisite - especially during the early sequences where sweeping drone footage captures the New Zealand landscape in all its rugged green and cloud-draped expanse. The pacing is superb, the twining stories compelling. It is an accomplished and intelligent piece of filmmaking; leavened with lightness, humour and hope without ever losing sight of the grim and challenging aspects of the situation... or the chaos and brutality of its conclusion.
This is powerful, poignant and often profound. For anyone still capable of accepting the opinions and lived experiences of others, it is an essential film.
alexwskinner8
Over step
A tragic moment for this country and mandated loss of human rights, political overreach at its finest and all for a lab leakd virus that was human engineered and partially fund by Dr Anthony Fauchi. I suggest the next Doccumentntry you watch is (The real anthony Fauchi) by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
All this unsettled devide in or country for a vaccination that wasnt even tested to stop for transmission of the virus and caused Myocarditis killing thousands. Jacinder really showed her true colours and once you understand she is in bed with the World Economic Forum it all makes senses. Bunch of Nazies lol(awkward laugh).
But over all great movie, shows how the comunity can pull together and the strength we have in numbers, i just wish the government wouldn't actually listen to its people.
saulov-149027
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. |
![Q - Apr 17 2020 - We are ready. [Set 1] Mission good. Q](/Images/1/2020-04-18-Q-The-Punisher-We-are-ready-Mission-good-100.png "Q - Apr 17 2020 - We are ready. [Set 1] Mission good. Q")
