Disney is adding a Polynesian princess, “Moana,” to its roster of princesses in 2016, according to Disney’s official blog. The full-length animated film will focus on Moana, “a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors’ quest.”The movie is set in the ancient South Pacific world of “Oceania.” The princess teams up with the demigod, Maui, to “traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore,” according to Disney’s blog.“I like that by Disney having a Polynesian princess brings culture diversity,” said Jansen Tesoro from Nevada, a senior in elementary education. Tesoro continued, “Plus I think an island princess will be the prettiest of all Disney princesses.”In the official announcement by filmmaker John Musker, he said, “Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself. She’s the kind of character we all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences.”Musker and Ron Clements are filmmakers creating “Moana” and are the same team behind “The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess And The Frog,” and “Aladdin.” Musker and Clements said they made several trips to Hawaii when planning the film, seeking insight into how growing up surrounded by an ocean affects a person’s point of view.Musker and Clements have done their research, according to BYU-Hawaii student Ezra Peterika and wife, Sarah Peterika. Moana is a very popular name in Hawaii, and the Peterikas named their daughter Elena Tausala o le Moana, meaning princess of the ocean in Samoan. “Elena will be so excited to know there is a Disney princess who shares her name!” The Peterikas hope this new movie will stay true to Hawaiian culture and have no doubt Disney will deliver. Upon hearing about the new Polynesian princess, Moana, BYUH Alumni Gwyenne Cashen said, “This is the best news ever [and] 2016 can’t come soon enough.”
Writer: Jessica Tautfest ~ Multimedia Journalist
