Tinā: the tiny, big-hearted New Zealand movie that became a smash hit – against the odds

‘We as Pacific Islanders are so freaking unique’: Tinā lead actor Anapela Polataivao. Photograph: Madman

Days after Tinā premiered in February, lead actress Anapela Polataivao’s 80-year-old aunt stood up in church and implored her congregation to see the film.

“She said, ‘I’m not here because she’s my niece, I’m here because it represents us,’” says Polataivao. “I love that for the older generation, it’s gifting that to them. It’s reflecting the way they’ve taught us back at them.”