Category: Movies FULL HOUSE - SOLD OUT: Encore screening Movie- RIVER OF FREEDOM (3.45pm)

FULL HOUSE – The 3.45pm session is sold out. There may be a few cancellations available at the door from 5 mins before the screening times.
ENCORE SCREENINGRiver of Freedom is a feature documentary about the New Zealanders that occupied parliament grounds in early 2022 – who the people were, why they were there, and what happened. 

The Platform, “Doco on anti-mandate protests shapes up to be a sleeper hit. Director Gaylene Barnes’ excellent documentary River of Freedom on the anti-mandate protests in Wellington will be welcomed by the government in much the same way Nicky Hager’s books have been in the run-up to elections.

RIVER OF FREEDOM how thousands of New Zealanders begin a convoy to Wellington from Cape Reinga and Bluff with a clear message to the government – end the mandates.

Yellow Car from Goodbye Pork Pie Photo Dane Scott

On the road to Parliament are people from all walks of life – teachers and students, caregivers and medical professionals, first responders, tradies, musicians, commercial pilots, farmers, business owners, government employees, all suffering some form of loss, whether it be employment, education, connections, wellbeing or opportunities, the impact is both significant and real.  The convoy sparks hope for them and the many others who have been negatively affected across the nation!

New Zealanders gather on the lawn of Parliament to express their grievances, intent on change and expecting democratic representation. Local tangata whenua welcome the protestors and together they co-create a ‘freedom village’ – a symbol of resistance, resilience, and kotahitanga (unity).

They stand strong in the face of police arrests, psychological tactics orchestrated by the Speaker of the House, gale force winds and Wellington’s second wettest day on record.
However, the people are ignored. Under Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s leadership, all 120 representative Members of Parliament collectively agree not to communicate with the protestors.

After 23 days, the New Zealand Police ambush the community in a dawn raid, forcibly removing everyone with weapons never before used in Aotearoa.

River of Freedom is made by professional filmmakers present during the convoy and occupation – the largest and most diverse protest movement in New Zealand’s history. 

Director: Gaylene Barnes

Producers: Jared Connon & Julian Arahanga

Executive Producer: Robin Monotti Graziadei

Distributor: Self / BRAIDED FILMS LTD

NZ Release: Friday 8th September 2023

Run time: 154 mins, Documentary Exempt


Our theatre is inviting; cool in summer, cosy in winter. 2K Digital Projection with Dolby 5.1 Audio.

Our volunteers open the theatre doors and box office 30 minutes before the start time of each session.

Door sales if available from 30 minutes before the start of each session. If you want to check if seats are available phone 825 0023, from 30 minutes before the start of each session.

Due to our small capacity we recommend that reserves are made using the web reservation system as shown below.

There are no allocated seats. Arrive early to get the seat that’s right for you from our eclectic collection of couches, reception and other chairs.

There is a café with juice, Bundaberg drinks, popcorn plus yummy food on sale. Most sessions are licensed with wine, cider and beer available.

Pay at the door by cash or EFTPOS.

The office is open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 2pm for pre-purchase of tickets or to pay for reserves.

We accept online reserve requests up to about 1 pm on the day of screening provided the session isn’t already full.

Online reserves are available for payment from 30 minutes before the start of a session to 15 minutes before the start.

From 15 minutes before the start they will be resold if the session is full.

Online ticket sales for this event are closed.