A woman grieving her daughter's death in the Christchurch earthquakes, becomes a substitute teacher at an elite private school. Unexpectedly, she discovers students lacking guidance and care, prompting her to provide inspiration and support.
Acting
Polataivao carries grief like a physical weight.
Writing
Balances earthquake trauma with deadpan Kiwi humor.
Score
Pasifika sounds that ache and uplift simultaneously.
Director
Miki Magasiva
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
One of the few mainstream films centering Pasifika experiences in Aotearoa's education system, released near the 14th anniversary of the 2011 quakes.
Director Miki Magasiva cast several non-actors from actual Christchurch schools; the classroom chaos is partly unscripted.
NZ
