Tinā is a New Zealand movie about Mereta (Anapela Polataivao), a mother grieving the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquake of 2011. She is depressed and not really taking care of herself which causes concern for the people who love her. Eventually she gets a job at a private school and forms a student choir. Despite her good intentions this raises the ire of two senior members of staff who are determined to get rid of her.
This a charming, funny and deeply emotional film that explores the issues of grief, racism, identity and community.
The journey Mareta goes on with the students she is nurturing and the resistance from some of the faculty is fascinating to watch. Mareta resists conformity but of course she is not perfect and sometimes insists on conformity herself. She is loving, yet sometimes insensitive and unyielding.
This complex mix is stunningly brought to life by Anapela Polataivao who gives an incredibly nuanced and powerful performance as the reluctant matriarch.
Her cast mates are of a very high standard and newcomer Antonia Robinson as Sophie is remarkable as a young woman still coming to terms with her own grief.
At the heart of this story is how to deal with heartache and overcome differences between people. It is through sharing stories, and being open to one another’s culture and beliefs that true healing can happen. Tinā is the perfect embodiment of that.
Starring: Anapela Polataivao, Antonia Robinson, Beulah Koale, Nicolę Whippy, Dalip Sondhi, Jamie Irvine, Alison Bruce
Directed by: Miki Magasiva
Duration: 122 Minutes
Open in New Zealand – 27 February 2025