A feature documentary revealing the extraordinary journey of celebrated New Zealand Samoan tenor Pene Pati with his brother Amitai Pati, will release in cinemas across Aotearoa on 5 March, 2026. 

TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI charts the against-the-odds journey of Pene, who is now widely recognised as one of the world’s leading tenors, and Amitai — also a rising star in the operatic world — from their original family home in Samoa and childhood in South Auckland through to the most revered opera stages in the world.

Well-known to Kiwi audiences as part of the beloved trio Sol3 Mio alongside baritone Moses Mackay, Pene and Amitai’s story is one of music, family, faith, and determination. The film traces the brothers’ journey from modest beginnings in church halls and local competitions to sold-out concerts and solo international acclaim, including Pene’s arrival at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Amitai’s all-important German debut.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Rebecca Tansley, TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI blends soaring performances with intimate storytelling with warmth, wit, sweeping visuals and a richly varied soundtrack. 

Pene comments: ​“I didn’t think our story was remarkable. When Rebecca first approached us I thought, ​‘why would anyone make a film about us?’ But as production went on I realised how much has happened since Amitai and I started — the obstacles, the tests, the doubts, the tears, and ultimately, the success. Our journey wasn’t easy or obvious, but if it sparks someone else to chase their own dreams, then that’s the real win.”

“Pene and Amitai’s story is so much more than a story about opera singers,” says Tansley. ​“It’s about family and culture, and a beautiful testament to the transformative power of music — of all kinds. It was a privilege to be able to make this film, to access some incredible places, and to get to know not just Pene and Amitai but their aiga. I can’t wait to share the film with audiences in New Zealand, Australia and Samoa.”

Filmed across seven countries, including Samoa, the film takes audiences behind the curtain at some of the world’s greatest opera houses and captures rare, tender moments with the brothers and their family. It also features never-before-seen home footage filmed by their sister Torres Pati, offering a glimpse into the family life that shaped two of Aotearoa’s most celebrated voices.

Rialto Distribution CEO, Kelly Rogers says: ​“At Rialto, we’re passionate about supporting distinctive New Zealand stories with international resonance. TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI exemplifies that, a world-class film about artists who have reached the pinnacle of their craft while staying true to their roots. We’re honoured to be distributing this extraordinary documentary in 2026.”

TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI is produced by Minerva Productions with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata, in association with Mercury Studios and in co-production with ARTE. It is produced by Tansley, along with co-producer Catherine Madigan and Executive Producer Taualeo’o Stephen Stehlin.

TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI will be released theatrically in New Zealand, Thursday 5 March, 2026.  

Distributed by Rialto Distribution.