We had the incredible honor of attending the world premiere of Moana 2, which took place in O'ahu, Hawai'i — a perfect choice given the film's deep connection to the Pacific Islands. It felt truly special to celebrate this movie in the islands themselves, with O'ahu serving as the ideal backdrop for such an event.
The premiere night was nothing short of amazing. It felt like a family reunion, with so many people coming together to celebrate Moana 2 and experience the magic of the film before its official release. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the event so unforgettable — it was truly an extraordinary experience. The venue was right next to the ocean, making it even more special to be near the water that unites us all.
There were so many fun activities for both adults and kids, from creating flipbooks and snapping photos at various themed stations to getting tribal tattoos and flowers in your hair. The entire evening was a celebration of Pacific Island culture, perfectly timed for a film like this, which is being showcased on a global stage through Disney. We were grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all. The film itself brought so many emotions — laughter, tears, and everything in between, but you'll have to watch it to experience the magic for yourself!
A Blue Carpet, Not a Red One
Unlike traditional movie premieres with red carpets, the Moana 2 premiere featured a beautiful blue carpet, reflecting the big blue moana or ocean that connects us all. We were excited to see Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Hualālai Chung, Ata Johnson, and many more stars in attendance. The night also brought together key crew members, including directors David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau, Oceanic Trust members, and countless other talented individuals who helped bring this incredible film to life. It truly felt like the premiere was a gathering of the people who, like the ocean, bind us all together.
A Stage Set by Siva
Before the movie began, Moana and Maui, portrayed by Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, took the stage to introduce the film. Their entrance was preceded by a breathtaking performance led by Tiana Nonosina Liufau, with dancers captivating the audience in an electrifying display of cultural artistry. As the movie was about to begin, those dancers lit up the stage with a performance that set the perfect tone for the evening. The fa'aumu echoed from every corner, enveloping the audience in the lively atmosphere.
Ata Johnson performed a siva Samoa with her son, The Rock, to "Siva Mai" by the Mika Sisters — a beloved Samoan classic — sung by Tiana and friends, accompanied by others with beautiful voices beside her.
What the Film Holds
As a brief glimpse into the film's story: Moana 2 follows Moana as she receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, sending her on a journey across the far seas of Oceania. Her adventure takes her into dangerous, long-lost waters, where she faces challenges like never before.
It was a truly unforgettable evening, full of mana, aloha, and good vibes all around.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, December 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 8).
December 2024 · Digital Magazine
