A CHRISTCHURCH-based film company has begun work on a feature documentary on New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu.

Sylver Entertainment and New Zealand’s Tahi Productions have started production of Lomu, which will chart the winger’s rise from humble beginnings to international stardom.

The six foot five Lomu was the youngest ever All Black and holds the record for the most tries scored in Rugby World Cup history.

The film will tell his story including his on-field exploits, as well as his personal struggles, including his battle with health issues. 

Lomu’s former All Blacks captain, Sean FitzPatrick, said: “I'm glad to support this international documentary on the life of New Zealand's most iconic sporting figure.

“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.”

Award-winning Irish director Gavin Fitzgerald, known for his documentaries on Conor McGregor and Liam Gallagher, is working in partnership with acclaimed Tongan/Kiwi director Vea Mafile'o on the film.

Mafile’o is celebrated for her works Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue and For My Father's Kingdom, with the pair aiming to ensure authenticity while creating a genuine and powerful storytelling experience.

“I'm thrilled and honoured to be working alongside Vea Mafile'o on this theatrical and creative documentary, which will tell the definitive story of Jonah Lomu,” Fitzgerald said.

“With his physical prowess and kind-hearted nature, he became a role model for so many kids growing up watching him, myself included.

“Facing more adversity than any young man should have to carry, there are ample themes to explore in this film which are both universal and timely.”

Mafile'o added: “Growing up in New Zealand and witnessing Jonah's rise both locally and internationally, I'm incredibly proud to be co-directing this documentary with Gavin FitzGerald.

“As a Tongan woman, it is an enormous honour to work alongside his family and friends to celebrate all his achievements and acknowledge him as the humble hero and son of the Kingdom of Tonga we all loved. The māfana is going to be real with this one.”

The film is set to be released in 2025 and has received funding from the New Zealand Film Commission and the British Film Institute’s UK Global Screen Fund Co-Production Strand.

Dorset’s Sylver Entertainment were behind the Sports Emmy-winning film McEnroe.

Victoria Barrell and Simon Lazenby of Sylver Entertainment said: “Sylver has built a reputation for bold cinematic documentaries, and as genuine fans and lovers of rugby, we are thrilled to see 'Lomu' finally go full speed into production.

“Jonah was arguably the greatest star of the sport the world has ever seen.

“Telling his story is a responsibility we take seriously, and we want to tell the whole story from everyone who knew him best, including his family, friends and those he shared the pitch with.

“Our team will honour him with an exceptional piece of sports documentary cinema that cements his legacy and achievements with fans across the globe.”