Ursula Grace Williams is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker from Aotearoa New Zealand. Her debut feature documentary Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Between Two Worlds opens in cinemas in Australia and New Zealand in May 2025.
No Other Land
I love this film for its intimate portrayal of land, resistance, and solidarity. Filmed between 2019 and 2023, it documents the destruction of a Palestinian community in the occupied West Bank. It captures the human cost of occupation, allowing emotion and truth to lead. It feels urgent and deeply personal, an act of witness and defiance. Free Palestine.
Born into Brothels
This film shows resilience through a child’s eye. I’m drawn to how creativity becomes a lifeline. It’s heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure, and never loses sight of the kids' individuality amidst the chaos.
Some Kind of Heaven
This one's weird and wonderful. I loved how it plays with expectation; ageing in America as both dream and delusion. It’s tender, absurd, and quietly existential. And I love its take on form!
A House Made of Splinters
One of my all time faves. In a place defined by trauma, the film finds quiet moments of love and care. It lingers on the fragility of childhood and is cinéma-vérité at its finest.
The Eternal Memory
A deeply moving meditation on memory and love. It’s a portrait of devotion that never feels forced, it’s gentle, lyrical, and devastating in its simplicity. I also loved Maite Alberdi's first feature documentary The Mole Agent, she's on fire!
The Ground We Won
I loved its look at rural masculinity and the interviews when people are doing things within them. It’s beautifully shot, tough and tender all at once, with real heart beneath the mud. Love me a noir film too!
Kaikohe Demolition
It’s iconic and accidently joyous. Full of grit and love, it captures a community with real affection and respect. A proper portrait of small-town spirit. Florian at his finest.
For My Father’s Kingdom
This one moved me deeply. It’s personal and political, layered and honest. I love how it navigates faith, land, and legacy with integrity and warmth. And two amazing Pacific directors - shout out to Jeremiah and Vea!
