Trailer unveiled for Eight’s The Story Department debut film ‘Dame Valerie Adams: More Than Gold’

Eight has reveal the trailer for its debut feature Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD, about Olympic champion, Kiwi icon and Tongan leader, Dame Valerie Adams. The film will have its nationwide cinema release on October 20, 2022.

The film was awarded NZFC funding and Eight subsequently worked hard to secure additional financing via brand partnerships with Visa, Toyota, AIA Vitality and Sky.

Toybox completed post-production on the film, including the stunning animation sequences. The music was composed by Arli Liberman with sound design by Images and Sound.

Says Katie Millington, executive producer, Eight Productions: “MORE THAN GOLD was an attractive project for us for multiple reasons, but most importantly it is exactly the kind of story we want to tell. The Story Department seeks out stories about strong females, minority voices, superhuman fighters and incredible achievers. We aim to give voices to underdogs and to tell the tales of their fight against all odds.”

Directed by Briar March and produced by Leanne Pooley, Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD is the candid and inspirational story of Dame Valerie Adams; a woman from humble beginnings who went on to become one of the world’s most celebrated athletes. At a time when sportswomen globally are struggling with pressures beyond the field of play Dame Valerie Adams is a beacon of hope.

Says Dame Valerie: “I want people to laugh, I want people to cry, I want people to be with me in the serious moments but then I want people to celebrate. I’ve told my story, my own way.”

Competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games required all the shot-putter’s determination and courage. At 36, following two major surgeries and the birth of her children, she was considered an ‘older’ athlete. Struggling to balance her role as a mum with her job as an elite sportsperson, Dame Valerie was forced to navigate emotions every mother will identify with.

Adds Millington: “We are honoured to have worked with such a talented bunch of female storytellers to bring to life a story that every New Zealander should see. This film will remind audiences of the Kiwi dream – to be able to provide every new generation with better lives than the generation before. The mighty Dame Valerie Adams’ story will richly reward audiences long after the curtain comes down.”

 Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD is an Eight production in association with the NZFC with assistance from the Government’s Screen Production Recovery Fund. Proudly supported by Toybox, Images & Sound, Visa, SKY, AIA Vitality and Toyota NZ.

Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD opens in New Zealand cinemas on October 20, 2022.

Keep up to date with the Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD on Facebook and on Instagram @morethangoldfilm.

Director: Briar March
Producer: Leanne Pooley
Executive Producer: Katie Millington
Executive Producer: Fiona Copland
Production Company: Eight Productions