Tinā

Synopsis

TINĀ is the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on the role of substitute teacher at an elite, wealthy private school and is surprised to find children crying out for guidance, inspiration, and love.

Using the symphony of her culture to empower her students, she forms a choir, bringing them together while unexpectedly rediscovering her passion for being a teacher and mother.

“In Samoan culture, “Tinā” is a formal, respectful term for a female elder, a mother figure to all who look up to her. And in this film, Percival is that figure, guiding her students not only through their choir practice but through life’s greatest challenges. TINĀ is a soul-stirring journey of loss, healing, and cultural unity.” (RNZ)

★★★★★ “A simply stunning, crowd-pleasing delight” (Stuff.co.nz)

★★★★ “A movie so tender and powerful is rare” (Wellington Regional News)