19-year-old leads a revolution in 31 minutes. The system didn't see him coming.
The film highlights the New Zealand student-led movement against compulsory military training during the Vietnam War. Led by 19-year-old Robert Reid, it brought together activists and diverse communities in a historic protest. Featuring interviews with those involved it is a reminder of the power of activism and ordinary people standing up for what they believe in.
Direction
Cottrell packs decades of resistance into 31 tight minutes.
Editing
Archival footage cuts like a protest chant — rhythmic, urgent, alive.
Production
Tiny budget, massive scope: New Zealand's hidden history unearthed.
Director
Anna Cottrell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
New Zealand's compulsory military training wasn't abolished until 1972 — this protest was genuinely nation-changing.
Robert Reid still organizes; the film's release party doubled as a 2023 anti-military recruitment rally.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
