New Zealand's smash hit comedy SIONE'S WEDDING has had an outstanding opening week in Hawaii where the film has just kicked off its American release.

In Honolulu, SIONE'S WEDDING out-grossed Sasha Baron Cohen's hugely-hyped Kazakhstani comedy BORAT as well as the Brad Pitt/Cate Blanchett thriller BABEL.

Magnolia Pictures have the US distribution rights to SIONE'S WEDDING which has been re-titled SAMOAN WEDDING internationally. The film, which is produced by South Pacific Pictures, had its American premiere at the Hawaiian International Film Festival last month and was so well-received that additional festival screenings were scheduled. One Hawaiian reviewer said: "You'll laugh your lava lava off."

John Barnett, South Pacific Pictures Chief Executive and producer of SIONE'S WEDDING, said: "It's great to know that audiences outside New Zealand and the Pacific Islands get this story and are responding to it so well."

Jeff Reichert, Magnolia Pictures head of publicity and marketing, said they were thrilled at the film's success to date and the next step was to open the film on the American mainland, starting in Los Angeles.

For more information, please contact:

Tamar Münch
Head of Publicity, South Pacific Pictures

Ph: +64 9 839 0347
Mobile: +64 21 659 349
Email: tmunch@spp.co.nz