“This is a teaching institution, otherwise you get the jandal”
If you're in need of a cathartic happy-sad cry then New Zealand box office sensation Tinā has the goods. Samoan teacher Mareta (Anapela Polataivao) is struggling following a huge personal loss in the Christchurch earthquakes, questioning her faith and ability to carry on. When she's convinced to take on the role of substitute teacher at a wealthy, conservative private school (where the students and faculty are predominantly white), Mareta is surprised to find children crying out for guidance, inspiration and love. Recognising the trauma her students have experienced, she leads them on a path to healing through the formation of a choir that will bring them together, while trying to rediscover her own passion for life.
“The kind of tear-jerker which never loses touch with reality”
“Hits the ears and heart with the force of a virtuosic solo”
“Miki Magasiva's haunting and heart-warming debut feature is a simply stunning, crowd-pleasing delight.”
Kiwi cinema has a long legacy of outstanding works produced by the First Nations and Pacific communities, one that Samoan-born director Miki Magasiva has secured his place in with heartfelt debut feature Tinā. Magasiva worked closely with stage and screen veteran star Anapela Polataivao to develop her character from the outset, drawing from their shared history of iconic matriarchs who pulled people together in times of trouble. A classic underdog story that's unafraid to explore heavy themes balanced with optimism, Tinā is shot through with classically Pasifika humour and charm.