Latest news with #NikiCaro
Scoop
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tinā Sails Past Whale Rider At The New Zealand Box Office
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission Tin made waves across the Pacific, with the widest ever release for a New Zealand film. Released across 132 locations, its impressive debut also claimed the third-highest opening week of all time for a local film, just behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople … The runaway film success of 2025, Tinā, has hit another milestone by taking $6,498,469 at the New Zealand box office, overtaking Niki Caro's Whale Rider, and securing the fifth spot on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list. Tinā made waves across the Pacific, with the widest ever release for a New Zealand film. Released across 132 locations (Aotearoa, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa), its impressive debut also claimed the third-highest opening week of all time for a local film, just behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione's 2: Unfinished Business. Annie Murray, New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO, says the incredible response to Tinā shows just how deeply audiences connect with stories that reflect their own lives and communities. 'Breaking into the top five most successful New Zealand films of all time, and surpassing a beloved classic like Whale Rider, is no small feat. Tinā's success in Aotearoa, combined with cinematic release in Australia and the United States, proves a distinctly local story can resonate globally. Its themes of grief, community, hope, and love speak to the human condition. Crucially, Tinā also shows that commercial and critical success are not mutually exclusive. When we invest in stories that speak to who we are, audiences show up in force.' Tina 's director, producer, and writer, Miki Magasiva, continues to be overwhelmed by how strongly the film has performed. 'What a huge milestone for the team, and we're incredibly proud to reach this significant achievement. We want to sincerely thank everyone who helped us bring this film to life.' These sentiments were echoed by co-producer, Dan Higgins, 'To surpass the legacy of Whale Rider is both humbling and surreal. The success of Tinā belongs to our extraordinary cast and crew, and to the audiences who filled cinemas in their hundreds of thousands—this milestone is truly yours.' The film has been distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Madman Entertainment, Andrew Cozens, General Manager NZ, has been impressed with how local audiences have embraced the film. ' Tinā has shown the magic of the big screen is alive and well, capturing the hearts of New Zealand audiences with its incredible 24-week uninterrupted run. It has crossed cultural and generational lines to become a true phenomenon – with many audiences making repeat visits to the cinema.' Since its release, Tinā has carved out a place in New Zealand film history, landing at number five on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list: Hunt For the Wilderpeople (2016) – $12,207,699 Boy (2010) – $9,322,000 The World's Fastest Indian (2005) – $7,059,147 Once Were Warriors (1994) – $6,801,471 Tinā (2025) – $6,498,469 Whale Rider (2003) – $6,496,371 Sione's Wedding (2006) – $4,075,000 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (1999) – $3,201,000 What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – $2,595,000 Footrot Flats (1986) – $2,400,000 A moving and uplifting drama, Tinā follows Mareta, a grieving Samoan teacher who finds unexpected purpose at an elite school. With standout performances from Anapela Polataivao and rising star Antonia Robinson, the film also features Beulah Koale and Nicole Whippy. Directed, written, and produced by Miki Magasiva, Tinā was produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa. The film was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, and NZ On Air, with financing support from Kiwibank Limited. Madman Entertainment is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia, and Rialto Distribution have acquired the global rights, including the United States. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tinā Sails Past Whale Rider At The New Zealand Box Office
The runaway film success of 2025, Tinā, has hit another milestone by taking $6,498,469 at the New Zealand box office, overtaking Niki Caro's Whale Rider, and securing the fifth spot on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list. Tinā made waves across the Pacific, with the widest ever release for a New Zealand film. Released across 132 locations (Aotearoa, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa), its impressive debut also claimed the third-highest opening week of all time for a local film, just behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione's 2: Unfinished Business. Annie Murray, New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO, says the incredible response to Tinā shows just how deeply audiences connect with stories that reflect their own lives and communities. 'Breaking into the top five most successful New Zealand films of all time, and surpassing a beloved classic like Whale Rider, is no small feat. Tinā's success in Aotearoa, combined with cinematic release in Australia and the United States, proves a distinctly local story can resonate globally. Its themes of grief, community, hope, and love speak to the human condition. Crucially, Tinā also shows that commercial and critical success are not mutually exclusive. When we invest in stories that speak to who we are, audiences show up in force.' Tina 's director, producer, and writer, Miki Magasiva, continues to be overwhelmed by how strongly the film has performed. 'What a huge milestone for the team, and we're incredibly proud to reach this significant achievement. We want to sincerely thank everyone who helped us bring this film to life.' These sentiments were echoed by co-producer, Dan Higgins, 'To surpass the legacy of Whale Rider is both humbling and surreal. The success of Tinā belongs to our extraordinary cast and crew, and to the audiences who filled cinemas in their hundreds of thousands—this milestone is truly yours.' The film has been distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Madman Entertainment, Andrew Cozens, General Manager NZ, has been impressed with how local audiences have embraced the film. ' Tinā has shown the magic of the big screen is alive and well, capturing the hearts of New Zealand audiences with its incredible 24-week uninterrupted run. It has crossed cultural and generational lines to become a true phenomenon - with many audiences making repeat visits to the cinema." Since its release, Tinā has carved out a place in New Zealand film history, landing at number five on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list: Hunt For the Wilderpeople (2016) – $12,207,699 Boy (2010) – $9,322,000 The World's Fastest Indian (2005) – $7,059,147 Once Were Warriors (1994) – $6,801,471 Tinā (2025) – $6,498,469 Whale Rider (2003) – $6,496,371 Sione's Wedding (2006) – $4,075,000 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (1999) – $3,201,000 What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – $2,595,000 Footrot Flats (1986) – $2,400,000 A moving and uplifting drama, Tinā follows Mareta, a grieving Samoan teacher who finds unexpected purpose at an elite school. With standout performances from Anapela Polataivao and rising star Antonia Robinson, the film also features Beulah Koale and Nicole Whippy. Directed, written, and produced by Miki Magasiva, Tinā was produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa. The film was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, and NZ On Air, with financing support from Kiwibank Limited. Madman Entertainment is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia, and Rialto Distribution have acquired the global rights, including the United States. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
NZ Herald
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Five classic Kiwi films to get you into the Matariki mood this holiday
Starting with the obvious, this drama film set around the holiday itself follows a chain of events in the South Auckland suburb of Ōtara leading up to Matariki, with the Māori New Year acting as a motif throughout. In the spirit of US-produced epics such as Magnolia and Crash, Michael Bennett's Matariki draws on human emotion and features a diverse cast who all give authentic and honest performances of their realistic (sometimes grim, sometimes darkly comedic) storylines. Multiple languages are used throughout and the script highlights the redeeming power of friendship and the importance of community after a random act of violence. With music by Don McGlashan and cinematography by regular Sir Peter Jackson collaborator Alun Bollinger, this raw display is sure to get people thinking about what Matariki means to them. Whale Rider (2002, dir. Niki Caro) Keisha Castle-Hughes in Whale Rider, an adaptation of the Witi Ihimaera novel of the same name. Whānau acceptance and ancestral ties lie at the heart of Niki Caro's groundbreaking adaptation of the Witi Ihimaera novel Whale Rider, which itself was based on the Māori mythological tales of Paikea. As a young girl longs to lead her tribe and make her family proud, she also strives to connect with her cultural heritage and her community's ancestral ties – a poignantly prominent story when thinking about it in the context of Matariki. Paikea Apirana, played by a young Keisha Castle-Hughes, is one of the best Kiwi characters to appear on-screen and stands as an empowering symbol for young wāhine everywhere. Meanwhile, Leon Narbey's beautiful cinematography expertly captures the beauty and ruggedness of Aotearoa's land, sea and sky (which also coincidentally make up some of the stars in the Matariki cluster). We Were Dangerous (2024, dir. Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu) Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu's film We Were Dangerous tells a fictional story about a rebellious trio of girls railing against the system in 1950s New Zealand. Photo / 818 Sometimes, acceptance and a sense of community can be found in the most unlikely of places. The delinquent girls' camp in We Were Dangerous is one of those places. While the main themes of rallying against patriarchy and oppression are significant in this film, it also highlights the importance of embracing diversity and sticking together to overcome challenges. A mix of dry humour and drama, the film is anchored by strong performances from the lead actors and a cracking script by Maddie Dai. Make sure you watch out for a particularly great scene where a long-standing te reo Māori language game is played, because it looks so fun, you might even want to give it a go yourself this Matariki. Boy (2010, dir. Taika Waititi) Taika Waititi's film Boy won the Best Feature award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Quite possibly the funniest Kiwi movie ever made and also the film that showed the world Taika Waititi was a force to be reckoned with, Boy is the perfect Matariki watch because it doesn't shy away from hard truths on family and togetherness. The simple story about a young Māori boy from Gisborne trying to reconnect with his vagabond father struck a chord with audiences across the motu upon its release and has since become a cult classic. Much of the humour is tinged with sadness, and the themes of belonging and new beginnings run deep while still coming across as natural in the story thanks to anchored performances by Waititi and James Rolleston. Complete with a great soundtrack, whip-smart dialogue and a very memorable Michael Jackson dance, Boy is a great example of a film that takes the audience along for the ride and leaves them feeling like part of the family when they are done. The Dead Lands (2014, dir. Toa Fraser) Lawrence Makoare as The Warrior in the New Zealand movie The Dead Lands. While brutal, bloody violence and skull-crushing isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think Matariki, The Dead Lands is still, at its heart, a story about finding your place and following in the footsteps of ancestors. Shot entirely in te reo Māori, it not only depicts New Zealand's history from a tribal warrior's perspective but also dives deep into traditional mythology and explores cultural identity in a way rarely seen on screen. Intense scenes of tribal warfare come across as rather realistic, as do the depictions of traditional Māori culture and tradition. There's even a pivotal scene featuring the lead character, Hongi, looking up at the stars while seeking guidance, something that many people across the motu will be doing this Matariki season. Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald's entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke's Bay Today.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Gal Gadot and Matthias Schoenaerts to star in WW II thriller ‘Ruin' from Niki Caro
Gal Gadot and Matthias Schoenaerts will be seen in the upcoming World War II thriller Ruin, a highly anticipated project that has drawn attention since its script topped the Black List in 2017. Directed by Niki Caro (Mulan, The Zookeeper's Wife), production is scheduled to begin in early in post-war Germany, Ruin follows a former concentration camp prisoner (played by Gadot) who joins forces with a disillusioned German soldier (Schoenaerts). According to The Hollywood Reporter, the two undertake a harrowing mission to hunt down remnants of a Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS) unit. The film explores themes of justice, trauma, and redemption in a Europe struggling to film is produced by Marc Butan of MadRiver Pictures, alongside Gadot and Jason Varsano through their banner, Pilot Wave Motion Pictures. Director Niki Caro also joins the producing team. Executive producers include Gillian Hormel (Ludascripts), Mary Aloe (Aloe Entertainment), and screenwriters Kaz and Ryan Firpo. Evan Powell will oversee the project for MadRiver. Gadot is currently working on The Runner for MGM Amazon Studios and recently completed Hand of Dante, directed by Julian Schnabel. Earlier this year, she starred in Disney's Snow White alongside Rachel Zegler. Schoenaerts, meanwhile, is filming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and will appear in The Old Guard 2 and Terrence Malick's The Way of the Read: Ed Sheeran's 'Play' album out in September, draws Persian and Indian influencesTrending Reel
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ruin: Gal Gadot And Matthias Schoenaerts To Star Together In The Upcoming World War II Thriller
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Gal Gadot and Matthias Schoenaerts star in WWII thriller Ruin. Niki Caro, known for The Zookeeper's Wife, will direct the film. Gadot is also filming The Runner, while Schoenaerts has major projects ahead. Washington DC: Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot and actor Matthias Schoenaerts are set to star in the World War II thriller Ruin, reported Variety. The Mulan director, Niki Caro, has joined the team to direct the movie. The movie is penned by Kaz and Ryan Firpo, who are known for writing Marvel's Eternals. According to the outlet, Marc Butan of MadRiver Pictures is set to produce alongside Jaron Varsano and Gadot under their banner Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, along with Caro. The movie is set in the post-WWII Germany and follows a recently released camp prisoner (Gadot), who is forced to make an unlikely alliance with a German soldier (Schoenaerts) in a mutual quest to exact revenge on a Nazi SS squad, reported Variety. The director, Niki Caro, is no stranger to directing World War II-based dramas as she has previously helmed The Zookeeper's Wife starring Jessica Chastain. Caro's debut feature was Whale Rider, which made Keisha Castle-Hughes the then-youngest female to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. She also directed Charlize Theron and Frances McDormand in North Country. Meanwhile, Gadot is currently in production on The Runner for MGM Amazon, and most recently starred as the Evil Queen in Disney's Snow White. The actress wrapped production last year on the Julian Schnabel film Hand of Dante. Schoenaerts also seems to be busy this year with highly anticipated movies, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Old Guard 2 at Netflix.
