by FilmInk Staff
Award-Winning Rugby League Documentary ‘SHARKO’ Announces Selected Australia Q&A Event Screenings Prior to Digital Release across Australia and New Zealand.
Following its triumphant hometown Sold Out premiere in Gladstone, documentary Sharko about New Zealand Rugby League icon Mark Graham, is set to embark on a series of special Q&A event screenings across Australia before its digital release on 21 April.
Produced and Directed by Mark’s filmmaker son Luke, Sharko is an intimate and inspiring deep dive into the life and career of his father Mark ‘Sharko’ Graham, a Rugby League legend whose journey through the sport has left an indelible mark on the game. The film captures not only the highs and lows of a professional athlete but also the personal resilience and community spirit that drive one of the game’s greatest figures.
The selected event screenings will feature Q&As by Director Luke Graham, plus appearances by prominent Australian media personalities and Rugby League legends, offering audiences an exclusive chance to engage with the film’s creator.
Upcoming Q&A Screening Dates and Locations:
- 29 March @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Central Coast. Hosted by Steve Allan and David Fairleigh.
- 2 April @ Strand Caloundra, Sunshine Coast. Hosted by Tony Durkin, with special guests.
- 4 April @ The Backlot, Perth. Hosted by Bruce Welsh and WA NRL with intro by Luke Graham.
- 9 April @ Five Star Cinemas, Brisbane. Hosted by Jason Dasey.
- 11 April @ Roseville Cinemas, Sydney. Hosted by Dean Ritchie and Jono Farr.
The highly anticipated Q&A tour for Sharko is set to launch at the iconic Avoca Beach Theatre on the Central Coast. Hosted by Master of NRL Ceremonies Steve Allan and North Sydney Bears great David Fairleigh, the event will be supported by Bears fan group ‘The Den’, promising an unforgettable evening for rugby league fans.
Next, the tour heads to the stunning Sunshine Coast, where legendary Queensland journalist Tony Durkin will host the screening, with special guests to be announced soon.
In Perth, the passionate rugby league community will come together for a screening in Australia’s newest NRL city. Longtime Bears fan and radio personality Bruce Welsh will host the night, alongside the dedicated Western Australian NRL contingent.
Brisbane locally revered Five Star Cinemas New Farm will welcome rugby league fan TV and radio presenter Jason Dasey for a night of insights and discussion.
The SHARKO Q&A tour will conclude at Sydney’s Roseville Cinemas with rugby league journalist Dean ‘Bulldog’ Ritchie and esteemed radio host and commentator Jono Farr, ensuring a memorable end to an incredible tour.
“Bringing SHARKO to audiences across Australia is an incredible honour. This film is deeply personal, and seeing it resonate with people—especially rugby league fans and those who connect with its themes—means everything. I’m excited to share Dad’s story, meet our supporters, and hear their own experiences at these special Q&A screenings.” said Luke Graham.
After these special screenings, SHARKO will be available digitally in both New Zealand and Australia from 21 April.
For more information: www.sharkofilm.com
About SHARKO
Widely regarded as one of the most inspirational and formidable athletes to ever play Rugby League, Mark Graham’s legacy extends far beyond the game. SHARKO presents an intimate and universal story of a father and son, examining generational patterns, family grief, and the complexities of masculinity. At its heart, the film explores how sport shapes personal identity and national pride, reflecting on how men of a certain era were conditioned to embody hyper-masculinity. The documentary masterfully weaves together personal family archives, recreations, and footage from Mark’s storied career, which spanned three continents. SHARKO is an honest and deeply human portrayal of New Zealand’s greatest Rugby League player—an inspiring journey about confronting the past and moving forward.
Production Details:
SHARKO is written, directed, and produced by Luke Graham (Broke), alongside producers Jonathan Page (H is for Happiness) and Kylie Pascoe (The Art of Incarceration). The executive producer is Jonathan Shteinman (Brabham). The documentary was developed and produced with support from Screen Queensland and principal funding from Screen Australia. The film was also supported by Gladstone Regional Council, Regional Arts Development Fund, Gladstone Ports Corporation and the Gladstone Mayors Fund.
