In response to an approach from Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand’s long running Soap, Shortland Street, moved from the studio to Fiji for a storyline.
The Naililili Catholic Mission was the last of the Fijian locations used.
The Mission, which is on an island in a river, is accessible only by boat.
The church at Naililili, built in 1849 by French missionaries.
Its stone walls, blackened by age and weather provided a dramatic backdrop.
Although it was exam time, 15 students from the local school were exempted so they could be extras on set.
But the 15 turned to dozens as the children got wind of the visitors and flocked to see the stars.
Shortland Street has been running in Fiji for 22 years.
While in Fiji, actors Kerry-Lee Dewing, Ria Vandervis, Sam Bunkall and Michael Galvin were swamped by fanatical fans delighted to meet their favourite soap stars.
Galvin was subject to adulation of “Beatle-mania-esque” proportions. He was accosted and jostled: shouts of “Chris” sound in the streets, by the pool, in the airport.
Source
- The Herald on Sunday
- Image: Jae Frew
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News category: Asia Pacific, Top Story.
