"Moana 2" Captivates Pacific Audiences, But Questions Remain Over Cultural Representation
"Moana surfed" onto screens globally, setting box office records as audiences, particularly across the Pacific, embraced the sequel’s Polynesian themes.
This highly anticipated Disney sequel brought stories of home, family, and connection, resonances that deeply connected with Pacific islanders. For many, it represented a long-awaited depiction of their culture on a global stage, a celebrated win for representation.
“It was even better than the first one. My everything," says Keonie Toofa seeing the film with her daughter in Tahiti, echoing the sentiments of
What specific aspects of Polynesian culture are highlighted in “Moana 2,” and how do these contribute to the film’s overall message and themes? [[1](https://nextshark.com/moana-2-interview-evolution)]
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. We’ve been discussing the resounding success of “Moana 2,” particularly its reception in the Pacific Islands. It seems audiences are thrilled to see their culture represented on such a global platform. But, as we know, cultural representation is a complex issue. So, what are your thoughts on the film’s portrayal of Polynesian culture? Do you think it strikes a genuine chord, or does it risk oversimplification or even appropriation?
