The global rights to New Zealand film Tinā have been acquired by Rialto Distribution, with a United States theatrical release date set for next month.

One of the most successful local productions to date, Tinā – which was written, co-produced and directed by New Zealand-Samoan filmmaker Miki Magasiva – will begin screening in US cinemas from August 29.

Rialto Distribution will then prepare the film for international release once it’s rolled out in the US.

“Tinā is a rare gem – brimming with authenticity, rhythm and emotional power,” said Kelly Rogers, Rialto’s managing director, in a statement to Deadline.

“We’re incredibly proud to champion this uniquely Pasifika story and deliver it to global audiences hungry for heartfelt, original cinema.”

Distribution in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific has already been managed by Madman Entertainment.

'Tinā' is now ranked among New Zealand's most successful films.

After debuting at the Hawaii International Film Festival last year, Tinā (which means “mother” in Samoan) was released in local cinemas in February.

Overall, it has raked in $10 million at the box office in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific – including more than $5m in Aotearoa alone.

As of April, Tinā ranked as the sixth most successful New Zealand film domestically, between 2006’s Sione’s Wedding ($4,075,000) and 2003’s Whale Rider ($6,496,371).

Tinā – Magasiva’s directorial debut – grossed more than $1m in its opening weekend, earning it the third-biggest domestic opening week ever for a New Zealand-made film.

Only Taika Waititi‘s Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) and Simon Bennett‘s Sione’s 2: Unfinished Business (2012) had more successful openings.

It also broke a record for the widest release of a New Zealand film, screening domestically as well as in the Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea at 128 different cinemas.

Tinā stars Anapela Polataivao as Christchurch school teacher Mareta Percival.

Tinā, set in Ōtautahi Christchurch, follows a grieving mother, Mareta (played by Anapela Polataivao), as she deals with her daughter’s death following the February 2011 earthquake.

Years on, Mareta reluctantly takes on a role as a substitute teacher at a private school. But after unexpectedly meeting children who lack a sense of guidance and connection, she draws on her musical roots to form a student choir.

Tinā was shot between Christchurch and Auckland in 2023, with funds from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate and NZ On Air helping to cover production costs.

Kiwibank Limited also contributed to the film with financing support.