Latest news with #Sione
Scoop
7 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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.
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
'Unreal': The key players behind Ottavio Tuipulotu's move to Glasgow Warriors
Brothers behind big move to Scottish Rugby Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ottavio Tuipulotu revealed brother Sione is fully behind his 'unreal' move to Glasgow Warriors. The 21-year-old hooker has joined up with his older sibling, Scotland and Lions centre Sione, from New South Wales Waratahs on a two-year contract ahead of the new season. A third brother, Mosese, moved from Australia to join Edinburgh last summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'm really looking forward to moving to Glasgow,' Ottavio Tuipulotu, who has represented Australia Under-20s but who is also eligible to represent Scotland courtesy of his grandmother from Greenock, told 'I've been following the team for the last couple years and have seen how well they've been doing, not to mention how much the fans get around the boys. Ottavio Tuipulotu has joined Glasgow Warriors. | comp 'I've spoken to Nonz [Sione] about Glasgow a lot, and he's just told me that while it's different to home – especially being a lot colder than Australia – the culture within the team and within the community in Glasgow is so strong. As soon as Glasgow sent me the contract offer, Sione was the first person I called, and he told me to pack my bags and join him up north. 'I spoke to Franco [Smith] earlier in the year, too, mostly just speaking about how I was doing and how my rugby was going, as well as the possibility of moving up to Glasgow. I'm really looking forward to being able to work with Franco and the rest of the coaches. 'I've seen how much work they've done for the players, and that's shown on the field when the boys play. To be able to play at Scotstoun would be an unreal moment in my life. I've seen and heard how electric the fans are with the atmosphere they create, and how much they back our boys – I can't wait to meet them all.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Head coach Smith welcomed Tuipulotu, saying: 'Tavi is a player that we have been tracking for a while, and we're pleased that he has decided to follow Sione in making the move north to continue his rugby journey with us.
Scotsman
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Glasgow Warriors to sign another Tuipulotu as Scottish rugby adds third sibling to ranks
21-year-old brother of Sione and Mosese set to arrive from Waratahs Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A third Tuipulotu brother is heading to Scottish rugby, with Glasgow Warriors poised to announce the signing of Ottavio Tuipulotu from the New South Wales Waratahs. The 21-year-old hooker is an Australia Under-20 international but could now follow his older siblings Sione and Mosese into the Scotland set-up. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Glasgow are expected to announce on Wednesday that Ottavio Tuipulotu has signed a two-year contract and the deal will see him link up with Sione, 28, at Scotstoun. Mosese, 24, plays for Edinburgh, having moved to Scotland last summer from the Waratahs. Speaking last season, Sione Tuipulotu said the two older brothers had been trying to persuade Ottavio to follow them to Scotland. Ottavio Tuipulotu is set to join brother Sione at Glasgow Warriors. (Photo byfor Super Rugby) | Getty Images for Super Rugby 'I believe in all my brothers,' said Sione. 'Genuinely, I think if my littlest brother comes over here, he might end up being better than me and my brother. He's 20. He's a forward, a hooker. He had two knee reconstructions before he was 18. He had a really rough run with injuries but he's really dedicated to his rugby, my little brother. I know he's at the Waratahs now. He's just moved up there after the [Melbourne] Rebels folded. 'I don't make any decisions for him but if it was up to me, he would do one year there and then come over. Try to get as much rugby under his belt in Sydney and then come over.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Tuipulotus have had a huge impact on Scottish rugby, particularly Sione who is currently in Australia as part of the British and Irish Lions squad. He blazed a trail for his brothers when he signed for Glasgow in 2021 and quickly showed his quality at centre. He made his international debut against Tonga at Murrayfield in 2021 and was appointed Scotland captain for last year's autumn Test series. The brothers qualify for Scotland through their grandmother, Jaqueline Thomson, from Greenock who emigrated to Australia.
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Footy star put knocked out teeth in his sock and kept playing before surgery
There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates. The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss. Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist. "Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up. "Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on. "Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock. "We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there. "When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him. "When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock. "The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced." Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted. "He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out." Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon. "We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want." The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder. Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens. Both face fitness tests on Thursday. Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg. "Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said. "He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play. "We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional." Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck. "Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said. There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates. The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss. Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist. "Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up. "Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on. "Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock. "We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there. "When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him. "When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock. "The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced." Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted. "He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out." Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon. "We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want." The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder. Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens. Both face fitness tests on Thursday. Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg. "Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said. "He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play. "We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional." Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck. "Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said. There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates. The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss. Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist. "Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up. "Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on. "Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock. "We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there. "When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him. "When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock. "The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced." Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted. "He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out." Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon. "We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want." The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder. Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens. Both face fitness tests on Thursday. Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg. "Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said. "He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play. "We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional." Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck. "Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said. There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates. The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss. Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist. "Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up. "Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on. "Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock. "We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there. "When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him. "When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock. "The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced." Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted. "He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out." Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon. "We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want." The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder. Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens. Both face fitness tests on Thursday. Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg. "Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said. "He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play. "We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional." Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck. "Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said.
