Miki Magasiva’s Tinā premieres in Wellington

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

From left actor Antonia Robinson, actor Anapela Polata’ivao, writer/director Miki Magasiva, and actor Beulah Koale at the premiere of the film Tinā on Tuesday evening.

Pacific dignitaries were among the star-studded smorgasbord of people on the guestlist for the capital premiere of the film Tinā by Miki Magasiva.

The guest list for the event, held at Wellington’s Embassy Theatre on Tuesday evening, included director, co-writer and co-producer Magasiva, along with cast and crew Anapela Polata’ivao, Antonia Robinson, Beulah Koale, Jamie Irvine, Zac O’Meagher, Tuilagi Dr Igelese Ete and Tiare Lily Savea.

From left, producers Effron Heather, Mario Gaoa and Dan Higgins with writer/director Miki Magasiva.

Others on the list included the Samoan High Commissioner Afamasaga F Toleafoa and his wife Phillipa Toleafoa, politicians Carmel Sepuloni and Chris Hipkins, Chilean ambassador Manahi Pakarati, musician Hollie Smith, artist Neke Moa, comedian comedian Tofiga Fepulea’i, and local actors Nathaniel Lees, Tanea Heke and Lupeti Finau.

Tinā follows the inspiring and heartwarming story of Samoan teacher Mareta ‒ played by award-winning Anapela Polaata’ivao (Our Flag Means Death, Night Shift, The Breaker Upperers) ‒ who after suffering tragedy in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes, reluctantly takes on a role at an elite, wealthy private school where differences collide, but connection is found.

A still from the film Tinā, directed by Miki Magasiva. Photo credit: Kirsty Griffin

Tinā translates to “mother” in Samoa.

In a statement, Magasiva ‒ the brother of actors Robbie and the late Pua ‒ said the film was drawn from strong Samoan women.

Students from St Patrick’s College Kilbirnie school choir performed before the premiere.

“With their resilience, wisdom, and deep connection to their culture, these leaders are the foundation of our community. Tinā is a story that celebrates the strength and spirit of the mother,” he said.

Along with Polata’ivao, the film has acting support from Koale (Hawai’i Five-0, Next Goal Wins, Bad Behaviour) and Nicole Whippy (Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street) and sees the up-and-coming force of nature newcomer ‒ Antonia Robinson ‒ playing the young lead student Sophie, who has a journey of self-discovery.

As the film also celebrates the art of choir, Magasiva and his team were led by choirmaster and music arranger Tuilagi Dr Igelese Ete who is renowned for his work as the NZ choirmaster for Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, as well as the choirmaster and music/choral consultant for the Disney Pacific animation Moana.

Madman will distribute the film in Aotearoa and Australia. It’s released locally on February 27 nationwide.

Tinā is Magasiva’s feature directorial debut.