June 13, 2024
Luke Graham’s feature documentary SHARKO is to have its world premiere at the prestigious Doc Edge Festival.
SHARKO is a feature documentary about enigmatic New Zealand
Rugby League legend Mark SHARKO Graham, and his filmmaker son, Luke. In
his prime, Mark was the best rugby league player in the world. Known for his
size, speed, skill and toughness, he was a predator in a sea of sharks. Mark
changed the sport and carried his teams and country to the doorstep of
greatness, while remaining a mystery to his biggest fan, his son.
Luke tells the story
through the in-depth lens and skewed perspective revealing a shared personal
history scarred by pain and loss. As he learns more about his father’s past,
both the hardships and the glory, he comes to a realisation about the man he idolised
above all else.
“We are honoured to be
premiering SHARKO in the country where our stories started and to be
part of the esteemed Doc Edge Festival is quite an honour for everyone who has
been part of the documentary’s journey. Our world premiere screening is going
to be thrilling and a little scary for all of us,“ said Luke Graham.
In its 19th year, the
Doc Edge Festival is one of the most prestigious documentary film festivals
worldwide, who’s kaupapa is to celebrate, support, and showcase ground-breaking
documentaries. As one of the few Academy Awards® qualifying festivals for feature
and short documentaries, they strive to select world and international
premieres that are eligible for Academy Awards® contention. They take pride in
being one of the leading film festivals in the Pacific and are particularly
interested in supporting filmmakers with Pacific content and subjects.
“We are excited to
bring home the world premiere of SHARKO, the story of Kiwi ruby league legend
Mark Graham told through the lens of his son, Luke Graham, a deeply personal
and moving story,” said Rachael Penman Festival Producer, Doc Edge.