As the huge Disney fans we are, we were excited to receive an invite to the Australian premiere of Moana 2 – the long awaited sequel to the 2016 original.
The Australian premiere took place at Sydney’s Hoyts Entertainment Quarter.
Prior to the film we were entertained by an awesome live set from New Zealand-based Pacific Reggae group, Coterie.
The cast of the film were also in attendance, including Temuera Morrison (voice of Chief Tui), Rachel House (voice of Gramma Tala), David Fane (voice of Kele), Awhimai Fraser (voice of Matangi), and Grammy nominated songwriter Opetaia Foa‘i – who composed the music for the sequel.
The talent introduced the film and spoke to the audience about how meaningful the film and this level of representation on the big screen was for them.
Three of the actors in attendance – Temuera Morrison, Rachel House, and Awhimai Fraser also voice the same characters in the Māori language version of the film, which released the same day as the English language version.
Moana 2 continues Moana’s journey with stunning visuals and truly spectacular animation. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
With humour and charming performances, the film explores themes of leadership, family and cultural heritage.
We attended the premiere with our dear friend Harlisha Newie-Joe, a renowned young contemporary Indigenous dancer from the Torres Strait Islands.
Huge thanks to Disney for having us along. Be sure to check out the film – it is magical!
