Kalle Benallie
ICT
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. by watching “Moana 2”, a story honoring Pacific Islanders and Polynesians. The film was released in theatres Wednesday, Nov. 27.
The film focuses on “Moana,” played by Auli’i Cravalho, reuniting with “Maui,” played by Dwayne Johnson, three years later after the first film and embarking on a new voyage with a group of unlikely seafarers.
A week ago at the Hawai’i world premiere, Johnson, who is Samoan, reflected on how the film is about culture and empowerment.
It’s also personal because his character, “Maui,” is inspired by his adopted grandfather Peter Maivia, a Samoan-American professional wrestler.
“He was just like ‘Maui’ and from his build, to hair, to his charisma and he would sing. He was loved…everytime I play Maui, I’m in the skin of my grandfather; it really moves me,” Johnson said on Good Morning America.
Cravalho, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, showcased the culture at the world premiere and press tour by featuring Hawaiian and Pacific Island designers for her makeup, hair and clothing.
“I had a very particular idea of spotlighting momi keʻokeʻo, sea shells, for our Hawai’i premiere look,” Cravalho told Vogue. “We presented this challenge to Afa Ah Loo, who cleverly strung individual white Dovetail shells into a cape-like shape reminiscent of Hawaiian ʻahu ʻula—a feather cloak worn by ancient Hawaiian royalty.”
@disneyanimation Moana 2, here we are! An unforgettable night under the stars at the world premiere of #Moana2♬ original sound – Walt Disney Animation Studios
@etalkctv ‘Moana 2’ star Auli’i Cravalho opens up about how she uses her platform to speak out for movements like No More Stolen Sisters and other issues of injustice. #Moana#Moana2#AuliiCravalho#NoMoreStolenSisters#Disney♬ original sound – etalk
Cravalho and Johnson are supported by a long list of Pacific Islander voice actors including Hualalai Chung, who plays “Moni,” a superfan of “Maui” and a historian of Motonui, island of the “Moana” characters.
Chung said to ABC7NY that the first “Moana” film gave children new representation.
“We grew up without having a film that represented us,” he said. “Then, back in 2016, the original ‘Moana’ came out and we were all so beyond stoked to see so much of our culture represented on the big screen.”
“Moana 2” adds some newcomers to the mix as well. Rose Matafeo, Samoan, plays “Loto,” the team’s architect. David Fane, Soamoan, plays “Kele,” an elder of Motonui. Awhimai Fraser joined the cast as “Matangi.” Fraser previously starred in “Frozen Reo Māori” and “Encanto Reo Māori,” which are told in the Indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Temura Morrison, Māori, returns as his role “Chief Tui.”
There’s not only representation for Pacific Islanders on screen but off as well. Two of the three directors are Samoan: David Derrick Jr. and Dana Ledoux Miller, who also co-wrote the story.
The film will receive a special release on Nov. 28 in theaters in New Zealand in the Māori language, incorporating Tairāwhiti, which is one of several Māori dialects. The first “Moana” was also translated in Māori.
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