From screen to page! Following the success of the documentary River of Freedom, a powerful new book — Heart of the Protest — takes readers behind the scenes of one of New Zealand’s most significant uprisings. Co-authored by filmmaker Gaylene Barnes, director and editor of River of Freedom, and writer Siân Clement, Heart of the Protest features personal accounts and researched details around the events and motivations that shaped the 2022 Parliament Protest.
“Too often historical events are only covered by one side. It felt important to redress this and provide a balance to this a pivotal chapter in New Zealand’s political history,” says Gaylene. “These weren’t just your usual protestors. They were nurses; teachers; builders; plumbers; farmers; mothers; fathers and grandparents —all just wanting to be heard.”
Adds Siân Clement: “Writing this book was about honouring the courage of everyday people who stood up and said, ‘enough’.” It’s not just a retelling of what happened; it’s a reflection on who we are, what we stand for, and what kind of future we want.”
Heart of the Protest also reveals the story of the filmmakers themselves — how a small team came together on Parliament’s lawn to document events. With no major distributor and near-total media silence, their crowdfunded River of Freedom became a grassroots phenomenon and, on 21 September 2023, was the most-watched film in New Zealand.
Heart of the Protest captures not only what happened, but why it continues to matter.
Please help us print as many copies as possible by pre-ordering.
Free shipping on all pre-orders made in December 2025 and January 2026
DELIVERY FEBRUARY / MARCH 2026!
PAPERBACK: 240mm x 170mm, 424pp, 79 full-colour photos
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