Tongan Film

Red, White and Brass tells the true story of a Tongan rugby superfan who, in order to get tickets to a sold-out 2011 Rugby World Cup match between Tonga and France, puts together a brass band to perform at the opening ceremony.

A full Embassy Theatre was decked out in red and white flags and there was an impromptu performance by members of the Taulanga Ū Brass Band, who feature in the film, for the premiere event on Tuesday. The movie was made entirely in Wellington, with an all Tongan cast.

A new feature film shot in Wellington is bringing that passion to the big screen. Red, White and Brass is the story of a die-hard Tongan rugby fan who misses out on tickets to a Tonga versus France world cup game, but promises to deliver a band for the pre-match entertainment - only that band does not exist and he has just weeks to create one.

It is inspired by a true story.

Co-writer and co-producer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau and lead actor John-Paul Foliaki who played Maka, talked with Sunday Morning about how the movie came about and the themes running through it.