Tongan rugby fans in New Zealand are passionate in their support for their home country. Homes and cars are decked out in the red and white colours of our national flags, and music blasts out with Tongan tunes. Shot in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the movie was inspired by members of a group of fans who missed out on tickets to the sold-out Tonga vs France match, resulting in them forming a brass band in order to get in.

The movie synopsis said, “Maka, the Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets, even if it means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. The only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four-weeks to form one. 

“The Tongan energy is so infectious, you can't help but be excited by this underdog story about what's possible if you band together for a common goal.” Damon Fepulea'i, Director/Writer told NZ media.

Halaifonua Finau (Nua) who co-wrote and co-produced the film along with Fepulea'i was in the original band that performed at the Rugby World Cup in 2011, where the Maka character takes inspiration from. 

“It’s been straight māfana (heart-warming) bringing this story to life, being surrounded by the Tongan language, family and culture through the process,” he said at the launch.

“Koe taha ‘o e ngaahi taumu’a ‘o e faiva ko ‘eni kiate au, ko e fakamamafa’i ‘a e mahu’inga ‘o e tau lea moe ‘ulungāanga faka-Tonga, (My hope for the film is that it highlights the importance of our language and culture).”

On 21 March 2023, the world premiere at the Embassy Theatre was decked out in red and with many happy Tongans and others coming out to show their full support.

In addition, members of the Taulanga Ū Brass Band, who are featured in the film also performed at the premier. 

‘Red, White & Brass’ released their teaser poster to celebrate Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea-Fakatonga, Tongan Language Week in September last year.

Meanwhile, the movie film is released today, 23 March 2023 across cinemas in Wellington, Auckland and Christchuch.

It has received rave reviews with one in particular from RNZ, stating that the film “overflows with heart, hilarity and infectious Tongan pride.”

The Cast

JP Foliaki - Maka (Maka’s role is based on Nua)

Haanz Fa'avae Jackson - Terrence

Rev. Tevita Finau - plays himself ( Halaifonua’s Dad)

Damon Fepulea'i - Director/Writer

Lotima Pome'e - Laki

Ilaisaane Green - Irene

Halaifonua Finau - Writer/Producer (His story)

Mikey Falesiu - Samisoni

Onetoto Ikavuka - Rob

Dimitrius Schuster Koloamatangi - Veni

Suzy Cato- plays an encouraging teacher.

Valeti Finau - plays herself (Nua’s mum)

Lupeti Finau - Uncle Siale (Nua's older brother)