Canadian Premiere
Although he’s now recognized as one of the finest tenors in the world, Pene Pati never dreamed he’d be performing on some of the globe’s most prestigious opera stages. Born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, Pene spent years navigating internal doubts and family expectations (“is a real job?” his mother asks), while not being taken seriously by the lofty world of European opera. From his humble origins singing in church to the formation of renowned classical pop group Sol3Mio — alongside his brother Amitai, a fellow tenor and rising opera star — Pati’s infectious joy and heartfelt love for his craft shines through as we follow his ascent to stardom.
Tenor: My Name is Pati effortlessly moves between sublime, world-class musical performances and a closer look at the personal life of Pati and his family. Director Rebecca Tansley crafts a charming underdog story about devotion to music and pursuing your dreams.
Presented by
Media Partner
Darren Pene Pati, Christian Amitai Pati, Asiata Pene Pati, Iulieta Pati, Torres Pati, Fa’anenefu Evangeline Taylor-Pati
New Zealand
2025
In English and Samoan with English subtitles
At International Village
At Fifth Ave
Indigenous & Community Access
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Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Taualeo’o Stephen Stehlin, Amy Freshwater, Dieter Schneider, Kelly Rogers, Kevin Gordon
Producer
Rebecca Tansley
Screenwriter
Rebecca Tansley
Cinematography
Simon Raby
Editor
Thomas Gleeson
Original Music
Andrew Faleatua
Rebecca Tansley
Independent filmmaker Rebecca Tansley brings four decades of storytelling experience to her filmmaking across both non-fiction and dramatic forms, with a focus on the arts. Her documentary films Crossing Rachmaninoff (2015) and The Heart Dances (2018) screened at festivals around the world and have appeared on platforms including Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO. Her film of the live opera The Strangest of Angels premiered in the 2023 New Zealand International Film Festival and won the only Special Mention at the 60th Golden Prague International Festival for Extraordinary Artistic Achievement.
Filmography: Crossing Rachmaninoff (2015); The Heart Dances – the journey of The Piano: the ballet (2018)
Portraits
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