Autumn Festival 2026
Tinā | Opening Gala | Mowlem
£18.50
Friday 16 October 2026 | Gala Opening Film
Gala: 6.30pm Film: 7.30pm
Our Gala Opening Film, this uplifting gem will make you laugh and cry throughout – especially through the authenticity and warmth of the lead performance and the soaring, transcendent Samoan choral music.
Tickets: £18.50 | Price includes a glass of wine and canapés during the Gala Reception.
Tinā
UK Premiere
Director: Miki Magasiva
Writers: Miki Magasiva
Actors: Anapela Polataivao, Antonia Robinson, Beulah Koale
Drama | Comedy | New Zealand | 2024
2 hrs 4 mins
Rating: 15
We open this year’s festival with this emotional, big-hearted film that caused a sensation when released in New Zealand. It stars Anapela Polataivao as Tinā, a Samoan woman who becomes a substitute teacher after grieving the loss of her daughter in the tragedy of the Christchurch earthquake. There she starts a choir which attracts the attention of some of the more troubled pupils. A stirring tribute to resilience, redemption and the power of community and song, this uplifting gem will make you laugh and cry throughout - especially through the authenticity and warmth of the lead performance and the soaring, transcendent Samoan choral music.
“Uplifting and sincere, Magasiva turns a familiar “inspirational teacher” story into a moving celebration of Pacific Islander culture, resilience, and the healing power of music.” Louisa Moore, Screen Zealots
Our Opening Gala
The gala evening is the centrepiece of the festival's calendar. Held at The Mowlem on Swanage beach, the evening opens with canapés from The Salt Pig and a glass of wine ahead of the screening.
This year's gala presents the New Zealand drama Tinā, marking its first theatrical screening in the UK. We are very grateful to both our main festival sponsors for supporting this event.
Event Details
Ticket includes a glass of wine and canapés during the Gala Reception.
The Bar will be open on the night. Snacks will also available.
There is no allocated seating for this event, please arrive early to secure your favourite seat.
For all venues, advance booking is recommended
For more info on the venue including accessibility and amenities, please visit our venues page.
Purbeck Film Festival Information line:
07443 468850 (not for bookings)
All updates will be posted on purbeckfilm.com first
Cancellations and refunds.
We operate a no refund policy. Your ticket will not be refunded if you are unable to come along to a film screening. If you can demonstrate that your booking was made in error, please email info@purbeckfilm.com at the time of purchase. If it is necessary for Purbeck Film Festival to cancel or stop a film in progress for any reason, all tickets will be refunded or another screening of the film offered where possible.
Please note: Photos and videos will be taken at this event for use on our website, social media and other publications. By booking, you are agreeing to be included in these.
Date: 16 October 2026
Start time: 06:30 p.m. BST
End time: 09:57 p.m. BST
Venue: The Mowlem Theatre, Shore Road, Swanage BH19 1DD
Directions: For more info on the venue, including directions and accessibility, please visit: www.purbeckfilm.com/venues
Phone: 01929 422239 (not for bookings)
Email: info@purbeckfilm.com
