This lovely documentary, in a SBIFF world premiere, introduces us to two brothers who are operatic tenors, Pene and Amitai Pati (but focuses on elder brother, Pene). It’s remarkable enough that there are two people in one family with such talent, and professional success, but they are from a very unlikely background.
They were born in Samoa, where the family of six lived together in one room. When the children were young, they relocated to New Zealand, where there were more work opportunities but where Samoans encountered racism and threats to their legal residency.
The whole family was musical, and would sing as a group at church and a senior center (where they also prepared food, washed dishes, and performed other chores into the late evening). In additional to honing their musical skills, it helped instill a deep value of family and community in all four children. (They speak of some very strict discipline Samoan parents would mete out, but forgive it as part of the culture and an important part of growing up.)
Pene’s introduction to opera came in high school where the choir director roped the rugby players into a production of H.M.S. Pinafore, an experience he loved. This music teacher was essential to both boys’ trajectory into professional music careers. He went to university to study information technology but after being encouraged to join the university choir he discovered his real passion through Italian opera. He won an international opera competition, and had many opportunities for training, but first formed a group with brother Amitai and their baritone cousin, Sol3 Mio. The group became incredibly successful, and toured internationally. Eventually they were encouraged to develop their operatic training and pursue solo careers, and the rest is history.
The trajectory of his career is endlessly fascinating and inspiring, as is his loyalty to his family and culture.
Directed by Rebecca Tansley
The film is showing again on February 10
The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival takes place from February 4-14, 2026. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and celebrity tributes are held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre and the new McHurley Film Center. Passes for the 2026 Festival are on sale now at sbiff.org.
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