Exclusive: Auli’i Cravalho Talks ‘Moana’Posted by Nicole Collins
November 23, 2016
Coming out this Thanksgiving weekend is Disney’s upcoming animated film “Moana,” featuring the voices of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson.
Other voices include Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger.
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
While promoting the film, Auli’i Cravalho spoke exclusively with Blackfilm.com on what the role of Moana has meant to her.
Is being the lead and face of the film a lot of pressure?
Auli’i Cravalho: It’s been amazing. I have had my family, friends who are so excited for this. I have had little cousins who made their own costumes for Halloween and basically dressed me up for Moana. It’s incredible. It’s long overdue that we have a film inspired by the Polynesian culture. I understand that we are a minority but we are so special. I’m glad that the filmmakers have the time to represent our culture the way I felt it really should be. I admit that I was weary at first before I was working on the film and I think anyone would be when they hear that a story would be inspired by their culture. You better do it right. Honestly, I so proud of the filmmakers that they put together an oceanic story trust with elders and fishermen as well as storytellers who brought their Polyneisans influence and all of their knowledge to the film. They also went to different places across Polynesia to get a better understanding of it.
If you could pick two things that people could learn from your culture, what would it be?
Auli’i Cravalho: I have grown up in Hawaii all my life and one thing is the people. I will always appreciate the people and how they treat each other and minorities and how there is so much to learn. One of them is that you always have something to give. No matter if you think you have nothing, you always have something and it will come right back around to you. I don’t know why but I have said this before in that you always have something to give and it’s met sometimes with confusion. In my family, no matter what, if I have more than you, let us be equals. That’s who we are, no matter what. I don’t care if I don’t know you by name. We share the same blood and that’s who we are. Who am I to think that I am above you and not give anything that I wouldn’t give to my own son or family. That’s something I hope people learn from my culture.
There’s also the balance between nature and man. I credit my ancestors in being excellent navigators of the oceans and the people who cultivated their land were smart. They didn’t burn it. They loved it and it loved them. They gave it so much life and if there’s anything to learn, it’s to respect all that is given to you. Do not take things for granted. The world is such a harmonious place when we take care of it. Only then is when we see an imbalance and it’s shown in the film to be restored and someday we can restore it like that.
What were some of the things that you did to get Moana perfectly?
Auli’i Cravalho: I was really lucky with this character. I felt like I connected with her right off the bat. Growing up on an island all my life like Moana, I’m deeply rooted in my culture and so is she. I go to an all-girl school where you are learning about natural plants and the sky and wind names. That’s part of our culture and curriculum. It’s incredible because I feel that I’m am her. I feel that I’m best friends with the ocean because I get cuts on land and I only do water sports. I also grew up with chickens and pigs, which is ridiculous. My teachers are now calling me Moana, which has become a nickname. If anyone were to call out that name, I would turn. She and I are basically the same person.
What would be a dream role for you?
Auli’i Cravalho: I loved the character that I played. Moana is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She’s very much a heroine and if we can continue in that line of strong female roles who kick butt and are amazingly strong and beautiful and yet sensitive and kind, and if you can find a role that wraps all of that up, I’ll take it.
Do you have any encouraging words for young actors?
Auli’i Cravalho: For actors of color, I would say pursuing your goals. That is something that I wasn’t going to do and it blows my mind and reduces me to tears. I wasn’t planning to audition for this and I was so close to not auditioning because I didn’t think I was going to get it. I didn’t think I was good enough. I realize now that it’s that mentality of glass half full and I flipped it at the last moment, saying “Why not? What do I have to lose?What do I have to gain?” I tried out and it worked so well for me. My advice to young actors would be to not doubt yourself. To not worry of what others may think of you auditioning and to wonder if you are right for a role because life has so many things inspired for you. You just have to let it run its course along this amazing journey.
Casting Moana – Introducing Auli’i Cravalho
Clip – Is There Something You Want To Hear?
Clip – Moana Meets Maui
