Grace: A Prayer for Peace is a journey into the creative heart of visual artist Dame Robin White, one of New Zealand’s most significant living artists.

This isn’t merely a film; it is an intimate journey into the creative heart and expansive spirit of one of Aotearoa’s most revered living artists, Dame Robin White; captured by Dame Gaylene Preston. With over a century of creative practice between them, these two Dames, both in their late 70s, offer a masterclass in curiosity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of artistic evolution.

Gaylene’s film is far from a conventional biopic. Instead, it’s a living portrait, capturing Robin in real-time as the audience isn’t simply observing, we are travelling with her as she explores the delicate balancing act of today’s subject matter.

The film journey’s across Aotearoa and further afield. From reconnecting with Robin’s roots at Iramoko Marae in Whakatāne; to Kiribati, a place that profoundly shaped her artistic vision; to Japan, where she immerses herself in a new culture, learning and creating pieces inspired by its history and humanity.

What elevates Grace: A Prayer for Peace is the palpable connection between these two extraordinary Kiwi women. Their conversations, blossoming into a deep friendship throughout the filmmaking process, are the heartbeat of the documentary. It is a testament to the idea that even in mature years that the desire to seek more – through dialogue, global encounters, and personal reflection – remains vibrant.

Gaylene’s directorial style, often lauded for its open-hearted approach to storytelling, finds its perfect subject in Robin. She is a filmmaker who has consistently given voice to those not always heard, and here provides a platform for White’s ongoing artistic and spiritual odyssey.

More than a documentary, this is an inspiring look at lives lived in a vibrant pursuit of grace and humanity.

• Grace: A Prayer for Peace was released as part of the NZ International Film Festival ahead of a nationwide release from 18 September 2025.