Jonah Lomu Rugby Great to Be Immortalized in ‘Lomu’ Feature Documentary (EXCLUSIVE)

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Jonah Lomu, who was the youngest ever New Zealand rugby union player and who rose to become the sport’s biggest icon, is to be immortalized in “Lomu,” a feature documentary.

As previously announced , the film is being co-directed by Ireland’s Gavin FitzGerald (Netflix’s “Conor McGregor: Notorious” and “Liam Gallagher: As It Was”) and Tongan-New Zealander Vea Mafile’o, who is known for her works “Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue” and “For My Father’s Kingdom.” Mafile’o also shares familial roots with Lomu in Tonga’s Ha’apai islands.

“Lomu” delves into the life of the 6ft 5 inch (1.95m) Tongan-Kiwi player who was known for his speed and agility as well as his huge size and who holds the record for the most tries scored in Rugby World Cup history. The film is expected to encapsulate his rie from humble origins, his remarkable achievements on the field and his personal struggles, including his battle with health issues. He died in 2015, age 40.

The documentary film features contributions from Lomu’s family, including his mother Hepi Lomu, who said of the screen collaboration: “As a family, we are happy to work with this team who are committed to celebrating our son.”

Also making an on-screen contribution is Sean FitzPatrick, former captain of New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team. “Jonah, quite simply, changed the game of rugby forever. His influence can still be felt today, and that is why it is so important to celebrate his legacy,” he said.

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Now in production, the film is jointly produced by U.K.-based Sylver Entertainment and New Zealand’s Tahi Productions. It recently received funding from the New Zealand Film Commission and the BFI’s U.K. Global Screen Fund Co-Production Strand.

Set for a theatrical release in 2025 the film counts Madman Entertainment as its Australia and New Zealand distributor. U.K.-based documentary sales specialist, Dogwoof will manage the film’s international sales and serve as executive producer.

The production team includes Victoria Barrell, producer of “Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager,” and prolific sports presenter Simon Lazenby, both of Sylver. IFTA Award-winning editor Iseult Howlett is set as the film’s editor.

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