“Moana” introduces a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to fulfill her ancestors? unfinished quest. She meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin,The Princess & the Frog?), ?Moana? sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.
Moana is the biggest hit of the year. If you have not seen the movie yet run don’t walk and enjoy 1hr and 45min of utter delight, music that will leave you ready to buy the soundtrack and a love for yet another Disney animated film.
What you might not be aware of is how much work goes into making an animated film. Moana has been 5.5 years in the making.
I was recently able to attend a Moana artist tour hosted by Jessica Julius who has worked with Disney for 12 years. She is Creative Executive at Walt Disney Animation Studios. With many talented filmmakers and artists, it has been a journey to get where they are today. This production is not just for children, it is for families and adults of all ages. This is an oceanic story with for those to know their history and to know their past. Those who speak gently to the ocean with know that the ocean unites the islands, it does not divide them.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Moana, a sweeping, CG-animated comedy-adventure about a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors’ quest. A born navigator, Moana sets sail from the ancient South Pacific islands of Oceania in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking under worlds and ancient folklore. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker
The research for the animated film goes above and beyond and other Disney film that has been produced. Many Pacific Islands have been visited from Samoa, Tahiti, Maui New Zealand and Bora Bora. The story is based on a tale passed down from generations that have been elaborated and brought to life. With help and guidance from the Oceanic Tribe. Moana relays the story with a true background of voyagers, from images of tattoos and how these characters would appear. Over 3000 years maps were not used for crossing the ocean, voyagers used ocean currents and temperatures to guide them as well as the stars and winds.
MOANA filmmakers invite moviegoers to venture behind the scenes with “The Way to Moana.” Featuring commentary from filmmakers, voice talent, songwriters, and key advisors from the Pacific Islands, the new featurette dives into the research and collaboration that went into the film, helping to ensure the story celebrates the Pacific Island cultures that so deeply inspired it.
Also available is a look at the stunning realization of the original song “We Know the Way.” Written and performed by Opetaia Foa‘i and Lin-Manuel Miranda, “We Know the Way” showcases the rich and vibrant voyaging life of Moana’s ancestors.
Each character has evolved from the beginning of production.
Moana is a 15-year-old heroine who has a love for the ocean wanting to know why she was the chosen one to save the island.
AULI‘I CRAVALHO lends her voice to the title character, MOANA, a teenager who dreams of becoming a master way finder. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Moana’s funny and silly sidekick HeiHei travels along on the adventure. He is a stowaway that leads to many laughs throughout the film.
ALAN TUDYK, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”), is behind the voice of HEIHEI, a dumb rooster who accidently stows away on Moana’s canoe. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Did you know that Duane Johnson sings his own songs in the movie?
Maui legend traveling from island to island only to be stranded on one after stealing the heart from Tafiti He is a character that is bigger than life, possessing many powers with the use of his Fish hook.
Mini Maui is his alter ego that is tattooed on his body relaying past stories and coming to life. This is the first time Disney has used animated with traditional hand-drawn techniques, offering the opportunity to blend 2D with CG in a new and exciting way.
DWAYNE JOHNSON (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) voices MAUI—half god, half mortal, all awesome. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
For some fun activities to use before or after seeing the film Print out the sheets below to keep everyone entertained for hours.
Become a voyager and see where the ocean takes you. Follow the stars for your journey to begin.
If you have seen the movie already you will know who these characters are. If not, I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Print out the sheets to make your own mask.
Have you seen Moana? Who is your favorite character? Have you purchased the soundtrack already? I love the music and so will you.
We can’t wait to see this movie! The kids will love these activities!
My grandsons would love to see this movie. What fun activities I can do with them!
This looks like a great adventure that I want to see. I can’t wait to see it.
We saw Moana last weekend and LOVED it! Thank you so much for the printable activities!!
I really enjoyed reading this post. I have seen the preview for the movie but didn’t really know much about it. I really like that the directors had key advisors from the Pacific Islands to help them keep the story true to Pacific Island culture. Great post!
I cant wait to see this movie. wed love to do these fun activities.