Fresh from its world premiere as the opening night feature at the 44th Hawai’i International Film Festival, the teaser poster for new kiwi film Tinā has today been unveiled. Kiwi audiences will be able to see the film across the motu when it's released in February 2025.

The much anticipated local feature film Tinā, is the directorial debut of director Miki Magasiva, received a rapturous welcome at its sold out world premiere screening this week at the annual festival which celebrates Asian-Pacific cinema. This year the festival sees 92 features, 114 short films, and major awards presented for guests including Jimmy O Yang, Hong Kong’s Sandra Ng, and documentary filmmaking star Stanley Nelson. The glamorous opening reception at the iconic Halekulani Hotel saw a strong showing of kiwi star power and support with actors Dave Fane, Robbie Magasiva and Alex Tarrant joining the cast and crew to celebrate.

“To have the world premiere of Tinā, open the Hawaii International Film Festival was incredible.” says director Miki Magasiva. “I am still coming to terms that after years of creating this story for my family, my community and for all the people, we are finally so close to sharing it with everyone in Aotearoa.”

Tinā is an inspiring, heartwarming and humorous drama that follows the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on a role as a substitute teacher at an elite private school and is surprised to find children in desperate need of guidance, inspiration, and love.

The lead role is portrayed by Samoan actress Anapela Polataivao (Our Flag Means Death, Night Shift, The Breaker Upperers) who plays the role of Mareta along with newcomer Antonia Robinson, in the role of Sophie. The rest of the supporting cast include Beulah Koale (Hawai’i Five-0, Next Goal Wins, Bad Behaviour) and Nicole Whippy (Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street).

The film features a powerful choir, lead off screen by Choir Master and Music Arranger Tuilagi Dr Igelese Ete. Dr Ete is renowned for his work as the New Zealand Choirmaster for Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring; and as the ‘choirmaster’ and music/choral consultant for the Disney Pacific animation Moana.

Tinā is written, directed & produced by Miki Magasiva, and produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa.

The film is made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Grant and NZ On Air and financed in association with Kiwibank Limited. Madman Entertainment will distribute the film in New Zealand and Australia.