St George Illawarra girls and boys junior representative players attended a screening of the documentary Power Meri, which tells the story of the first women’s Papua New Guinea national team.
Power Meri director Joanna Lester, presented the film to Dragons players at the University of Wollongong. Lester was able to discuss the themes of the film with the group, examining the similarities and differences between Australian and PNG cultures.
The film covers the birth of the PNG Orchids (the country's first national women's rugby league team), their journey to the Rugby League World Cup, and how women playing rugby league is changing lives and attitudes in PNG. The film also explores the broader themes of the rise of women's rugby league, the challenges faced by female players, social media abuse of elite athletes, and women's empowerment through sport. It stars the well known Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns who featured throughout the World Cup.
Power Meri Documentry Trailer
The film was released recently through film festivals and demand-driven cinema and community screenings, and has been embraced by Australian and PNG audiences, including male and female NRL players from several clubs. Producers are organising another round of Australia and Pacific screenings, and releasing the film in New Zealand and the UK, in early 2019.
Power Meri is screening on Wednesday 6 March at selected cinemas including in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Hurstville. Tickets must be purchased online by Sunday 24 February at: au.demand.film/power-meri
