Rebecca Tansley filmed a captivating documentary about tenor Pene Pati, who grew up to become an international star within a singing family for whom the concept of 'opera' was completely unknown.
In Samoa, his native country, singing is deeply rooted in tradition, but opera wasn't — or wasn't it? — part of the picture. Why 'wasn't it'? Because young Pene, blessed with a rich, warm, smooth, high tenor voice, discovered opera through La Bohème. The death scene of Mimi and how her lover says goodbye? That's what Pene wanted to sing. His decision was made: "I will become an opera singer and perform that lead role." He's not the first professional musician with a global career whose parents told him — and still do — "A musician? Are you crazy? You'll never make enough to support a wife and children!" Pene Pati heard this too from his father, mother, and surroundings. But determination? That prevailed.
The film tells the incredible story of the charismatic Samoan opera star Pene Pati, who grew up in humble circumstances and rose to the world's greatest opera stages. No Samoan had done it before, and it seemed impossible, but what is impossible, especially when you're determined even without 'Western discipline'? Pene Pati is regarded as the opera discovery of the decade 2015/2025. COVID-19 was certainly a setback — for everyone, right? — but he was able to continue building his career. From the very beginning of his singing career, people compared him repeatedly to none other than Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007), and that comparison is warranted. Pene's singing was contagious, especially given his rapid local success, and his brother Amitai, an almost equally accomplished tenor, and a cousin started performing 'Mama' as a trio in Samoa to packed houses.
The film shows Pene Pati's remarkable rise from the islands of Samoa in the Pacific Ocean, through South Auckland, New Zealand, to the world's greatest opera stages. It's a rise that seemed nearly impossible for a boy from Samoa, but people with ears and the right connections gave the motivated Pene the necessary push forward. In the film, you learn more than just about a singer. You meet a truly wonderful person. Deeply sensitive, emotional, a man full of love not only for his wife, but for his family, his traditions, his heritage, his people. He has an engaging charisma, always laughs, shows friendship and, as it were, weeps with 'his' Bohème and so much more.
Pene Pati and his brother are big names on the classical stages, and wouldn't you know it, opera is no longer unknown in Samoa. Pati, who has a very strong connection to Samoan culture and consciously experiences and shares it, noticeably shares his success with his family. Family — it's the heart of his people. A beautiful thing that can sometimes get out of hand, but well, everywhere there's 'something,' and perfection doesn't exist in humanity. Tansley shows plenty of footage from Pene Pati's family life at home and weaves it together with his career. It makes the documentary a vivid story, and you feel involved and at times deeply moved. Many viewers will certainly shed a tear or two. Get behind your laptop or computer and watch the documentary. You won't regret it, and rejoice in this tenor in a million.
Documentary by Rebecca Tansley (New Zealand 2026, 80 min), broadcast by HD | ARTE
