A New Zealand-made film is making waves at the local box office.
Kiwi film “Tinā” has sold over 321,952 tickets within New Zealand in the last seven weeks, earning the film $5,030,777 to date.
The film has already set a record, screening across 128 locations in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa – making “Tinā” the widest release to date.
“The success of the film is a testament to finding your audience, ‘Tinā’ has found that in the Pasifika community and beyond,” said producer Dan Higgins.
“‘Tinā’ is a film to see in cinema as a shared experience and Kiwis are doing this in their thousands. It’s not just Kiwis wanting to see the film, with sold out Australian premieres and the American market screaming out for showings.”
“Tinā” has now claimed the sixth position on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list, becoming a part of New Zealand film history. Other notable New Zealand films on the list include “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” (2016) sitting at number one and “Whale Rider” (2003) at number five (see the full list below).
The powerful and heartwarming Kiwi drama follows Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher grappling with grief after losing her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes. Taking on a reluctant substitute role at a prestigious private school, she finds students in desperate need of guidance, inspiration, and love.
“Tinā” was directed, written, and produced by Miki Magasiva with producers Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa.
Magasiva expressed her appreciation for viewers of “Tinā” saying “no words, just gratitude, thank you Aotearoa, this is a massive honour for us. A wonderful surprise and huge vote of confidence for our entire team, fa’afetai tele lava!”
The film stars Samoan actress Anapela Polataivao (“Our Flag Means Death,” “Night Shift,” “The Breaker Uppers”), with newcomer Antonia Robinson, and cast members Beulah Koale (“Hawai’i Five-0,” “Next Goal Wins,” “Bad Behaviour”) and Nicole Whippy (“Outrageous Fortune,” “Shortland Street”).
“The record audience numbers who’ve shown up for “Tinā” prove there’s very real affection and support for well-crafted and authentic stories from our homegrown filmmakers,” added New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO Annie Murray.
Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list:
- “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” (2016) – $12,207,699
- “Boy” (2010) – $9,322,000
- “The World’s Fastest Indian” (2005) – $7,059,147
- “Once Were Warriors” (1994) – $6,801,471
- “Whale Rider” (2003) – $6,496,371
- “Tinā” (2025) – $5,030,777
- “Sione’s Wedding” (2006) – $4,075,000
- “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” (1999) – $3,201,000
- “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014) – $2,595,000
- “Footrot Flats” (1986) – $2,400,000