Writer/director/producer Miki Magasiva along with producers Mario Gaoa and Dan Higgins join award-winning filmmaker Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa for a deep dive into the making of Tinā – a powerful NZ feature film about grief, healing, cultural unity, and the power of music.
This conversation will be as entertaining and engaging as the film itself, giving a unique insight into the journey of making this successful film, including the obstacles and hurdles they encountered, and how they stayed true to the vision.
It’s been several years since a local film has had this kind of success at the box office. Find out more from these leading Pacific voices in film, as they lift the lid on what it takes to make a successful film in Aotearoa today.
SPEAKERS
MIKI MAGASIVA
Born in Lefagaoali’i, Savai’i, Miki represented Australasia at the AFEST film section, culminating in his first short film, Rites of Courage. For his second short film, Uso, the following year, he was nominated for Best Script at the NZ Television Film Awards and won the Digital Dream Award at the HIFF. His short film Sina & Tuna, included in the Teine Sa (2021) television anthology, won Best Narrative Feature at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. That same year, his work with The Panthers, New Zealand’s first-ever drama series to screen at TIFF, he won Best Director: Drama/ Comedy at the NZ Television Awards. His collaboration with indigenous filmmakers from New Zealand and Australia with We Are Still Here (2022) opened the Sydney International Film Festival and won Best Dramatic Feature at imagineNATIVE. His latest work, Tinā , which he wrote, directed and co-produced, is the 6th biggest box office film in NZ.
MARIO GAOA
NZ-born Samoan Mario Gaoa has worked in film, television, and theatre for over 25 years. He began studying film and television at Auckland University before finding his true education in the industry itself. Early in his career, he co-founded The Naked Samoans with Oscar Kightley, David Fane, and Shimpal Lelisi—a groundbreaking theatre group that became a cornerstone of Pacific storytelling in Aotearoa. This led to the cult-classic films Sione’s Wedding and New Zealand’s first prime-time animated series, Bro’Town, where he was a writer, director, and voice artist.
As a writer and director, Mario has consistently brought a distinct comedic style to his work. His contributions have earned him multiple accolades, including awards for Best Script in a Comedy Series, Best Narrative Feature, and Best Dramatic Feature. In 2021, he wrote and directed a short film for the Teine Sā anthology. The following year, he produced TVNZ’s Duck Rockers, a prequel to Sione’s Wedding, and was one of the indigenous filmmakers behind the feature film We Are Still Here.
Most recently, he completed a documentary series exploring gangs, addiction, and obesity among Māori and Pasifika communities in New Zealand. He is also a producer and contributing writer on the feature film Tinā, which won the numerous film festival awards.
In recent times, Mario has chosen to focus on creative works with deeper meaning—and has successfully become a broke filmmaker in the process.
DAN HIGGINS
Dan Higgins is an award-winning producer and founder of Wabi Sabi Media Group, one of Australasia’s leading production companies. Renowned for his creative vision and production expertise, Dan has built a reputation for delivering both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
His latest feature, Tinā, is a cultural phenomenon—becoming the highest-grossing New Zealand film in over a decade and the third highest-grossing NZ film ever released in Australia. The heartwarming drama about a Samoan teacher has won Audience Choice Awards across international festivals and opened the Hawaii International Film Festival.
With over 15 years of experience, Dan’s films have screened at Cannes, Palm Springs, Melbourne, and beyond, earning numerous accolades including multiple NZ Film Awards. Beginning in journalism and radio, he brings a rare mix of creative insight and production know-how, making him a sought-after partner for global co-productions.
Dan is currently promoting Tinā on the international festival circuit while developing new projects that reflect his passion for inclusive, impactful storytelling.
STALLONE VAIAOGA-IOASA
Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa has worked in the screen industry for over 15 years, with a focus on championing Pacific Islands people and stories. His career spans television; Tagata Pasifika Fresh and self-funded and self-distributed feature films; Three Wise Cousins, Hibiscus & Ruthless, Take Home Pay, Mama’s Music Box. Stallone is currently the General Manager of Pacific Islands Screen Artists. (PISA).
