‘Folau’ explores how the former Wallaby made himself into a political and religious football by sharing his anti-LGBTQI+ views
Folau brings together a diverse cast of characters caught in the crossfire of a saga that played out against the backdrop of 2017’s same-sex marriage debate, the leadup to the 2019 World Cup in Japan and Scott Morrison’s '“miracle” federal election win the same year. Most crucially, it explores the deep faith of the Pacific peoples who now make up a reported 46% of rugby union and NRL playing ranks.
Folau is of Tongan ancestry, a people whose life revolves around family and faith. In the past, many Pasifika tribes revered those of fluid sexuality able to move between men’s and women’s business, exhibiting physical and emotional strength. The arrival of Christian missionaries changed that and the exile of LGBTQ+ First Nations people followed.
Director Nel Minchin and actor Magda Szubanski, who started fundraising page on behalf of a multi-faith group in response to Folau’s views.The name Israel means “wrestles with God” in Hebrew and Folau embodied that prophecy. At first his physical gifts hid a naive view of the world where money, women and alcohol were competing Gods. Joining rugby in 2012, he spoke of it as a game of inclusion and posed for the cover of an LGBTQI+ magazine.
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