In Tinā, a Samoan choir teacher grieving her daughter’s death in the Christchurch earthquakes finds students in need of guidance, inspiration and support. Source: Australian Catholics.
This New Zealand film is set in the elite St Francis of Asssi Secondary School, Christchurch, in the aftermath of the 2019 earthquake.
The title, Tinā, is not the central character’s name. Rather, pronunciation-wise, there is an emphasis on the ā of Tinā with the parenthesis indicating that it actually means mother.
The strength of the film comes from the presence of Samoan-born New Zealand actress, Polataivao. She is a powerful screen presence – demanding of those she comes in contact with, commanding attention, especially of the audience.
She plays Mareta, a talented musician and singer who encourages her daughter to audition for a scholarship in music at a British university. And then the earthquake. It has a devastating effect on Mareta who, because of her grief, is unable to settle for three years until challenged by a young man she once cared for to go for a job interview.
In fact, she takes charge of the interview with the school authorities at the up-market St Francis school. Securing the job, she faces the elitist presumptions and attitudes of staff and students who are not used to having anyone of Samoan origin on the staff.
Members of the staff are rather as expected, some kind and understanding, the vice principal almost a caricature of the ambitious, controlling, indignant racist school authority.
But, of course, the main thrust of the film and its enjoyment is Mareta’s encouragement of a disturbed but talented young musician, her encouragement of choir volunteers and their involvement with Polynesian musical traditions.
One hopes that younger audiences will identify with some of the issues and enjoy the film. But, for most audiences, it is pleasingly entertaining.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media.
Tinā: Starring Anapela Polataivao, Antonia Robinson, Dalip Sondhi, Jamie Irvine. Directed by Miki Magasiva. 124 minutes. Rated M (Mature themes and coarse language).
FULL REVIEW
Tinā (Australian Catholics)
