Kia Toa gets French flair

SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard

SHOT TO FAME: French director Axel Ferrault, holds a microphone while Christophe Lemire films Kia Toa junior rugby players for a documentary on New Zealand that will be played to about four million French viewers.

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A French film crew put their bodies on the line against a bunch of Palmerston North kids playing rugby, all in the name of creating a travel documentary.

Parents laughed on the sideline as French directors Axel Ferrault and Christophe Lemire dodged the tackles and kicks with camera and microphone to capture first-hand New Zealand's passion for rugby.

The crew is making a travel documentary on New Zealand for popular French travel programme Echappees Belles.

Project organiser Francois Bartolomei said Manawatu was chosen to demonstrate Kiwis' love of rugby because of the region's dedication to keeping the Turbos in the Air New Zealand Cup.

The under 11-year-olds from Kia Toa junior rugby were chosen to represent rugby's grassroots.

The camera caused excitement but once play started they were more focused on the game than fame. It was exactly what the film crew wanted, Mr Bartolomei said.

"The kids were amazing, you can tell they are so happy when they play rugby. We are showing French people how important rugby is to small communities in New Zealand."

The crew also wanted to highlight the region's diverse cultures.

"New Zealand is becoming a very popular destination for French people because it is still a little paradise with only four million people.

"We have that many people just watching our show," Mr Bartolomei said.

Destination Manawatu is keen to get its hands on the footage. Event and tourism manager Julie O'Brien said it could be used to promote Manawatu during the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand will feature on French television in June.

- © Fairfax NZ News