Sian Clement

SIAN CLEMENT - For most of her career Sian has worked as a film publicist in London, Sydney and Wellington, interviewing key cast and filmmakers for press kits. Relocating to New Zealand in 1998, she set up The Publicity Machine, working on numerous feature films such as Scarfies (1999), What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (1999) and Whale Rider (2003). She made the initial worldwide announcement on Lord of the Rings (2001). In 2006, inspired by his thoughts on the consciousness of water, she invited Japanese theorist Dr Emoto to New Zealand, resulting in a sold out event at The Paramount theatre in Wellington. Later, driven by her strong interest in politics and democracy, she coordinated the New Zealand tour by Hoerdur Torfason, organiser of Iceland's 'Pots & Pans' revolution. Unable to make a stand and attend the Wellington protest herself, but motivated by the actions of so many in her community, Sian was compelled to write about it. Hearing of the film River of Freedom, she reached out to director Gaylene Barnes. Two years later, the result is Heart of the Protest.


GAYLENE BARNES - Canterbury-based artist, filmmaker and organic farmer, Gaylene has spent decades directing, editing and producing films that explore environmental, humanitarian, and social stories-including environmental documentary Seven Rivers Walking - Haere Marire (2017) [co directed]; humanitarian film Project 51 (2025); and River of Freedom (2023). Her award-nominated production design and editing credits include the feature drama Scarfies (1999) as well as the documentary Out of Sight, Out of Mind (2005). Trained in fine arts, her egg-tempera paintings- steeped in sacred and alchemical traditions-have been exhibited in New Zealand and overseas. Alongside her creative work she runs a self sufficient farm in Selwyn. Drawn to the convoy and Wellington protests by a deep sense of injustice, she filmed on the ground from the beginning. When writer Sian Clement reached out after seeing River of Freedom, a collaboration began, and she stepped fully into the role of author, co-writing Heart of the Protest-her first book.