Film Influencer 2025 - Tinā

Tinā is written & the directorial debut from Miki Magasiva, brother of Robbie and Pua Magasiva. Robbie is an Aussie on favourite, formerly on Wentworth, currently on Rescue Hi-Surf

Starring Anapela Polataivao as Mareta Percival, a dissatisfied substitute teacher, recently bereaved after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake killed her daughter. 

She begins to work at an elite private school and starts a student choir. Samoan teacher Mrs Percival, she and her students find unlikely connections and a new sense of purpose when they establish a school choir. 

The film is heartbreakingly beautiful. with one of the most amazing final scenes in a film in ages. So much of this film explores grief, ugliness from small minded members of society, finding purpose after an unbearable loss and community.

Community is at the heart of this film, and this film has SO MUCH heart. Almost too much. You can honestly hear others in the cinema crying.

Opening this Thursday with preview screenings this past long weekend, Tinā is incredible.

Kiwi films and TV don't come along our screens as much as I'd like. Our closest neighbours present some incredible stories. This was truly incredible.

I loved this, from the school choir, to Anapela Polataivao as Mareta Percival. This was ace cinema.

4.5 Stars.