New Zealand’s latest hit film, Tinā, has become a major success, earning over $1 million in its opening weekend and currently topping the box office with $1,324,529 in earnings and nearly 84,000 tickets sold.
The film also set a record for the widest release of a New Zealand film, screening across 128 locations in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa.
It ranks as the third-highest NZ opening week, behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione’s 2: Unfinished Business.
New Zealand Film Commission CEO Annie Murray praises the success, highlighting the importance of investing in local stories. She believes Tinā’s success proves the audience’s demand for authentic, locally-made films and hopes to keep this momentum going.
Film director, writer and producer Miki Magasiva is thrilled by the positive reception, noting that Tinā brings together people with its heartfelt, inspiring story. Cinema owners have shared similar enthusiasm, with audiences enjoying repeat viewings.
The film follows Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher grieving the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes. She finds a new purpose in teaching at an elite school, where she helps students in need of guidance.
The film stars Anapela Polataivao, Beulah Koale, and Nicole Whippy, and was produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa.
