Given half the chance, New Zealanders not living under a rock at the turn of the millennium will tell you about the time they met Prime Minister Helen Clark. Ribbon-cuttings, corporate keynotes, tree plantings, prize-givings, a ride shared in a Beehive elevator – mention Clark's name in conversation, and your companion will invariably regale you about their brush with Aunty Helen.
Gaylene Preston's tale lasts rather longer than most. The award-winning film-maker's latest documentary, My Year With Helen, is a study in what happens when a woman publicly contests the most prestigious role in international diplomacy. It's also a portrait of resilience in the face of a very public loss.
Given half the chance, New Zealanders not living under a rock at the turn of the millennium will tell you about the time they met Prime Minister Helen Clark. Ribbon-cuttings, corporate keynotes, tree plantings, prize-givings, a ride shared in a Beehive elevator – mention Clark's name in conversation, and your companion will invariably regale you about their brush with Aunty Helen.
Gaylene Preston's tale lasts rather longer than most. The award-winning film-maker's latest documentary, My Year With Helen, is a study in what happens when a woman publicly contests the most prestigious role in international diplomacy. It's also a portrait of resilience in the face of a very public loss.