Tinā breaks records as NZ’s widest film release, captivating audiences with a powerful story

The feature film, Tinā, is captivating domestic and international audiences, earning over $1 million in its opening weekend.

Tinā is at the top of the local box office, having grossed $1,324,529 so far, with nearly 84,000 tickets sold.

The film is making history as it now holds the record for the widest release of a New Zealand film, screening at 128 locations across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Sāmoa.

Tinā also ranks as the third-biggest opening week for a New Zealand film, behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione's 2: Unfinished Business.

Tinā follows the journey of Mareta Percival, a Sāmoan teacher portrayed by Anapela Polata’ivao, as she navigates life after the tragic loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes.

She reluctantly steps into a substitute teaching role at an elite private school and soon discovers that her students need the same guidance and inspiration she is desperately seeking for herself.

This marks Polata’ivao’s first lead role in a film, as she has previously played more comedic characters.

Thousands sang "Ua Fa'afetai" to the cast and crew of Tinā the film at Auckland's Civic Theatre. Photo/Atutahi Potaka-Dewes

A tribute to Pua Magasiva

Director, writer, and co-producer Miki Magasiva created Tinā as a tribute to his late brother, the beloved actor Pua Magasiva.

Certain elements of the film, including a scene where a choir performs a pese Sāmoa (Sāmoan song) at The Big Sing, are inspired by real-life experiences.

Tinā director Miki Magasiva and actress Anapela Polata’ivao. Photo/NZ Film Commission

A milestone for Pacific cinema

Annie Murray, CEO of the New Zealand Film Commission, says Tinā’s record-breaking success highlights the importance of investing in local storytelling.

"The incredible debut of Tinā isn’t just a win for this film - it’s a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when we invest in stories that reflect who we are.

“Audiences have shown up in record numbers for this film, proving there’s real appetite for authentic, well-crafted storytelling from our own filmmakers.

“We need to keep this momentum going."

NZFC CEO, Annie Murray. Photo/NZFC

Beyond its domestic achievement, Murray says Tinā is positioned for international success.

"Successful sales will not only generate revenue for the filmmakers but also offset the investment made by the NZFC, allowing us to continue supporting future New Zealand stories."