The Ground We Won is winning over critics and audiences. Photo / File
The Ground We Won is winning over critics and audiences. Photo / File
With three invitations to prestigious international film festivals, and overwhelmingly positive reviews, a film about the Reporoa Rugby Club is on its way to becoming a cult classic.
Film-makers Christopher Pryor and Miriam Smith could not reveal which film festivals they had been asked to attend, but said they were"very prestigious".
The couple have been travelling the country attending question and answer sessions after screenings of The Ground We Won and said while they had hoped the film would be popular, they were surprised at the hugely positive responses from critics and audiences.
"I don't know if all these five stars were quite what we were expecting. We were blown away. We have done a handful of Q&As now, and we have not had one negative comment," Mr Pryor said.
Ms Smith said the quality of the documentary could largely be attributed to its subjects.
"I think a documentary is something that is so riveting because you never know what's going to happen next. We were just lucky it was such a great bunch of guys and lots of wonderful stuff happened and so all that's in the film."
Ms Smith said the film's subjects were surprised at its popularity.
"I think they always thought 'we think this is funny, but other people won't' and they've just been pretty amazed ... everyone has been blown away by the fabulous reviews, and been surprised that it's still going and there has been so much air about it."
The pair hoped international audiences would be able to identify with the exploration of masculinity in rural New Zealand.
"I suppose it's just like any small town anywhere really ... I just love that the story is universal enough to speak to people, not just New Zealanders, and countries that aren't even rugby-crazed nations," Mr Pryor said.
Ms Smith said being able to speak directly to audiences was a great experience.
"So far people have all felt the club could represent their own club, so that's been really neat to see it speak to New Zealand.
"People who leave the cinema are just beaming away which is gorgeous."
-The film is screening at the Basement Cinema in Rotorua.
