Loading Docs 2017 - Union

When New Zealander Jared James moved to Japan, he found himself isolated by the distance, the culture and the language. A co-worker recommended he try out for the local rugby union team. After coming to terms with the difficulties he might face — the language, his fitness — he finally gave it go. James found not just a team, but an opportunity to share culture and friendship. Made as part of 2017 web series Loading Docs, the film began after director Jericho Rock-Archer met Jared on a flight to Japan; the two kept in touch as each found a home there. 

My first practice the coach was screaming something I couldn't understand. So I just started running. The next day I was in agony. My body was a wreck. But through that pain something had changed.

– Jared James

Key Cast & Crew

Jericho Rock-Archer

Director

Joshua Rollo

Producer

Steffan Paton

Sound Design

Anna Jackson

Consulting Producer

William Wragg

Composer

Julia Parnell

Executive Producer