Movie News: “MOANA” BREAKS ANIMATION RECORD, GROSSES P85.68-M IN 5 DAYS

"What can I say except you're welcome-and thank you!"

MANILA, December 7, 2016 – Disney's “Moana” found out “how far it'll go” at the Philippine box-office – and far it went with an opening weekend gross of P85.68-million in only five days.

The sea-faring adventure also broke the record for the all-time biggest opening day gross for an nimated film last Nov. 30 with a rollicking P24.9-million, surpassing the sales of last year's “Minions” at P22.9-million.

This was announced today by a spokesman of Walt Disney Studios Philippines.

“Moana” has everything going for it: glowing reviews; Dwayne Johnson, who voices a demigod enlisted by a fierce young Polynesian heroine; and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who co-wrote the infectious songs. Newcomer Auli'i Cravalho voices the title character.

SM Mall of Asia (P2.89-M), Power Plant (P2.42-M) and SM Megamall (P2.37-M) took the lion's share of the box-office pie, followed by outstanding performers Trinoma (P2.04-M), SM North EDSA (P2-M), Greenbelt 3 (P1.94-M), Ayala Cebu (P1.73-M), Alabang Town Center (P1.67-M), Glorietta 4 (P1.66-M) and SM Cebu (P1.55-M).

Also contributing significant returns are Bonfacio High Street (P1.41-M), SM Seaside Cebu (P1.32-M), Shang Cineplex (P1.22-M), Greenhills Promenade (P1.19-M), U.P. Town Center (P1.18-M), Eastwood (P1.17-M), SM Iloilo (P1.13-M), SM Southmall (P1.12-M), Robinsons Magnolia (P1.04-M) and SM Aura (P1.03-M).

In the U.S., “Moana” has grossed a buoyant $119.9-million after 17 days. Its global box-office now stands at a robust $177.5-million, and rising.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of Auliʻi Cravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and OpetaiaFoa‘i, “Moana” is now playing in theaters across the Philippines. For more information, visit http://www.disney.ph/, like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtags #MoanaPH and #FindYourWay.

Movie Review: Moana

I grew up watching Disney movies, I was obsessed with "The Little Mermaid", "Aladin", "Beauty and the Beast", "Mulan", you name it.  I grew up watching these films, memorizing the lines and songs, having all kinds of merchandise from lunchboxes, sleeping bags. I can also break out into song from any of these films (with hand gestures) much to the discomfort of my office seat mate. 

So you can say that with Disney such a big part of my life, I was excited to meet a new Disney Princess and this is "Moana". Which is refreshing as the 56th Disney animated feature film based on an original idea about Moana Waialiki (Auli'i Cravalho), the daughter of a Village Chief from a Polynesian tribe, who sets out with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to save her home. 

The film starts out with similar Disney themes, Moana is too adventurous for her island, where the people are forbidden to sail beyond the reef. Just like Ariel (The Little Mermaid) before her, who was curious about the humans on the shore. The heroine's first hurdle is to listen to that "voice inside" who is telling her who she really is. In Moana's case, she is to inherit being village chief and the responsibilities that come with it, when all she really wants is to sail out into the ocean. 

As I was watching the film, I thought of this recurring theme which has been the same throughout the years and I felt that it was because there is always a new generation of children who can definitely use this empowering messaging and I'm glad that I got to see the film with two of my nieces. :) 

While the film may begin with these timeless themes, which is no surprise given that Ron Clements and John Musker, the directing team behind Oscar-winning classics The Little Mermaid and Aladdin are behind the film.

 "Moana" takes on its own adventure and for me the film takes on its own feel from that scene when they meet the "Kakamora", for a little added information, that scene which includes these cute-err-terrifying coconuts is actually inspired from Mad Max: Fury Road and I actually thought of it when I saw it, without knowing about it first.  Also one of the Kakamora has the face of Baymax (Big Hero 6) painted on it. (I want a Kakamora!) 

Oh and I also have to commend the music! For the longest time, I have been looking for memorable songs in the recent Disney films but they didn't seem to have that "magic" like the old films did but "Moana" did and with a team made up of “Hamilton” composer-lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda, Disney music master Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i, the lead singer of South Pacific fusion band Te Vaka, I was had high expectations which is met. The result is a fun, authentic soundtrack, which will be your newest last song syndrome.   

I'll go ahead and say it "Let It Go" (Frozen) was overrated but in "Moana" it's not only the heroine's song which is memorable but all of the songs! (I kid you not) I was even impressed by Dwayne Johnson's Maui's catchy "You're Welcome" song, "The Rock" had an amazing singing voice (who would have thought right?) and we also enjoyed Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement) Prince inspired "Shiny". The songs reminded me of the older Disney movies where all the songs were good.

 *Currently listening to the soundtrack as I am writing this* 

There is a scene in the film that made me go "Whoah!" (I never thought I'd have that reaction in a Disney movie) and this was when Moana comes face to face with Te Ka, it is a breathtaking moment and seeing that in 3D is just spectacular. 

10/10! (My Nieces gave perfect scores too! And yes, even Paul gave a perfect score! Which is as rare as it sounds.) 

I also personally enjoyed making jokes at Disney's own expense: 

Case in point: 

On top of a high mountain, Maui tells Moana: "If you start singing, I'm going to throw up." This of course is a shot at Disney Princesses bursting into song. 

Disney has even starting making pee jokes and that was just hilarious! 

A fresh new Disney adventure featuring stunning 3D animation (just makes you want to go to the Beach) the story, while maintaining classic themes finds its own lessons to share. Plus a colorful look into the Polynesian culture, which is always a plus for me. 

Moana is the Disney Princess for a new generation. Without an exaggerated tiny waistline, the studio finally leaves the 'love interest' plot behind, focusing on a more important adventure, well for a young wayfinder at least. 


*By the way, there's a post-credits scene, if you guys want to stick around for that*

               

At the Philippine Premiere of "Moana" with my nieces Jasmine and Jillian. 

I rarely post personal photos with my movie reviews but I think I will make an exception for this one. Moana is in cinemas Nov. 30. 

Use the hashtags #MoanaPH #FindYourWay for your Moana posts!

 Photos (c) Walt Disney Studios. 

Movies: NICOLE SCHERZINGER PROVIDES VOICE OF MOANA'S MOTHER, SINA

Best known as the lead singer of one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger now breathes life to Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina, in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana.”

Also featuring the voices of Dwayne Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho, “Moana” is a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.

Moana’s mother always has her back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water. But much like Tui, her hard-headed husband, Sina wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef. Above all, Sina trusts Moana to make the right decisions.

“Sina reminds me of all the women in my family—my ohana,” says Scherzinger. “She’s fun, she’s playful, but she’s also very strong. I feel like she’s the backbone of a family, as women often are.”

“She is very loving and caring,” adds head of animation Amy Smeed, “but also has a little spunk to her which comes through in Village Song in the way she bounces as she sings.”

Scherzinger is a Grammy®-nominated triple threat. She has accrued No. 1 singles on both sides of the Atlantic, selling 37 million singles worldwide, 16 million records as a solo artist and a staggering 54 million albums as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. The incredibly accomplished singer, dancer and television personality stars as Penny in the highly anticipated “Dirty Dancing” remake for ABC. Scherzinger teamed up with Neil Patrick Harris to co-host his new NBC primetime variety series “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris.” Harris previously directed Scherzinger in a special engagement of the Tony® Award-winning musical “Rent” at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, for which she received rave reviews for her performance as Maureen.

The “X Factor” judge (both the U.S. & UK versions of the show) has also made a name for herself on the West End stage. By far one of her greatest recent achievements was a nomination for a Laurence Olivier Award for her debut performance as Grizabella in a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.” In a BBC radio interview, Webber called Scherzinger’s recording of the famed hit single “Memory” the “best recording of anything of my music ever done.”

Outside of her work in the entertainment industry, Scherzinger is an ambassador for UNICEF and a global ambassador for the Special Olympics.

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 30, “Moana” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtags #MoanaPH and #FindYourWay.

Movies: STARS ALIGN TO CREATE MOVING SOUNDTRACK FOR “MOANA”

With film credits like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” under their belts, filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements clearly enjoy telling stories with music. Their lates film, Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Moana” is no exception.

The diverse and dynamic team behind the film’s inspired music includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning lyricist/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who counts among his credits Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton” and the Tony-winning “In the Heights.”

“I really related to Moana in a lot of ways,” says Miranda, who was “transported” by the Clement-Musker-helmed feature “The Little Mermaid” at age 9. “She has a family that she loves, an island that she loves, but there’s a voice inside that’s calling. The idea of quieting life enough so that you can hear that inner voice was something really worth writing about for me because I think it’s so important.”

Three-time Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina created memorable scores for films like “Speed,” “Tarzan” and the Oscar®-winning “Training Day,” and also co-wrote songs, produced and arranged the score for Broadway’s musical production of “The Lion King.”

Opetaia Foa‘i, the founder and lead singer of Te Vaka, is a winner of numerous world music awards, including the Senior Pacific Artist award for his contribution to Pacific music.

The soundtrack features seven original songs, plus two reprises, as well as two end-credit versions of songs from the film. Written and performed by Foa‘i and Miranda, “We Know the Way” showcases the rich and vibrant voyaging life of Moana’s ancestors. “After meeting with [directors] John and Ron in 2013, I actually started writing that song on the flight home,” says Foa‘i. “It came quite naturally. Then Lin added his beautiful lyrics and it just came to life.”

“How Far I’ll Go” is Moana’s song. “It’s intimidating to write an ‘I want’ song for a Disney animated movie,” says Miranda. “You think of Ariel with ‘Part of Your World’ or ‘Reflection’ from ‘Mulan.’ This is Moana’s chance to say for herself how she feels and where she belongs.”

“Where You Are” is written by Miranda, Foa‘i and Mancina and performed by Christopher Jackson, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger, Auli‘i Cravalho and Louise Bush. The song introduces the audience to Moana’s village and the key players.

Written by Miranda and performed by Dwayne Johnson, “You’re Welcome” showcases the colorful personality of Maui. “I just thought that it would be really fun to hear The Rock sing ‘You’re welcome for my existence. You’re welcome that you get to meet me,’” says Miranda. “Dwayne has such incredible charm and he totally delivers the character’s confidence and cockiness.”

Jemaine Clement was tapped for “Shiny,” a song written by Miranda and Mancina that spotlights Tamatoa, the 50-foot crab with trust issues. “Disney has some great villains like Jafar, Scar, Cruella and Ursula,” says Miranda. “Tamatoa is mean and ostentatious, so we really wanted to create the anti-lesson of the movie. If Moana’s journey is listening to her inner voice, Tamatoa is there to say, ‘It doesn’t matter. Who cares? It’s really about how you look.’ He’s from the deepest, darkest part of the sea and feels his armor is important. You got to be shiny.

“I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” was written by Miranda, Mancina and Foa‘i and performed by Rachel House and Cravalho. “The song marks a really important moment in the film when Moana is doubting her decision to take on this huge challenge,” says MacDougall.

With music by Foa‘i, Miranda and Mancina, and lyrics by Foa‘i and Miranda, “Know Who You Are” is performed by Auli'i Cravalho, Vai Mahina, Olivia Foa‘i, Foa‘i and Matthew Ineleo. The song is heard late in the film as Moana’s journey nears its culmination.

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 30, Moana is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movies: HAWAIIAN TEEN LENDS VOICE TO NEW DISNEY HEROINE “MOANA”

Teen actress Auli'i Cravalho helps bring to life Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest heroine in “Moana.” The 15-year-old Native Hawaiian is the voice of the determined and fearless lead character in the animated comedy adventure, which is directed by animation greats John Musker and Ron Clements (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”).

Filmmakers auditioned hundreds of talented young women throughout the Pacific Islands before finding the gifted Auli‘i, who did not initially pursue the coveted role. The film’s Hawai‘i-based casting director recalled her singing performance from a video submission for a fundraiser/talent showcase and asked Auli‘i come in and try out. Three auditions later, including her first trip to Burbank, Calif., she earned the title role, thanks to raw talent.

In the film, Moana is an adventurous, tenacious and compassionate 16-year-old who is struggling to find her true self. While her father, Chief Tui, guides her to follow in his footsteps and lead their island one day, Moana is drawn to the sea. At Chief Tui’s behest, the people of her village are forbidden to go beyond the safety of the reef, yet the open ocean seems to beckon Moana. “It doesn't seem possible for her to fulfill her heart's desire and still be true to her people and her culture,” says director Ron Clements. “She descended from navigators, but she doesn’t know it—yet.”

When her island is threatened by a terrible darkness, Moana breaks her father’s rules and sets sail on an epic adventure to save her people and find the answers she’s been searching for her whole life. Says director John Musker, “She is inspired to solve the problem of this world that has been haunting them and has made voyaging impossible. If she can face this problem that’s plagued them for a thousand years, perhaps voyaging could resume.”

“She is a strong hero who sets out to retrieve what her people lost a long time ago,” says producer Osnat Shurer. “This isn’t a love story—it’s action, adventure, fun and drama. Moana wants to save the world—literally—even though she’s just about the only person who realizes it needs saving. She’s a powerful role model for today’s audiences.”

The 15-year-old, who turns 16 the day before “Moana” opens in the U.S., admires her character. “When I have a lot going on at school and it gets to be too much, sometimes I want to call it quits and crawl under my covers,” says Cravalho. “But Moana would never do that. She’s incredibly strong and down to earth. It takes a lot to stand for what you believe in, yet she follows her own path. She’s such a relatable character, it’s easy to want to root for her.

“I connect with Moana in many ways—growing up on an island, as well as the way I love the ocean,” concludes Cravalho. “She is braver than I am though—literally sailing so far out of her comfort zone. I hope to push to new horizons like Moana does.”

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 30, Moana is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movie News: JANELLA 'S MUSIC VIDEO OF “MOANA” SONG “HOW FAR I'LL GO” PREMIERES NOV 18

    (c) of the owner. 

Walt Disney Studios Southeast Asia has chosen fast-rising, multi-talented star Janella Salvador to sing and appear in the music video of “How Far I'll Go,” the lead song from Walt Disney Animation Studios' 56th animated feature “Moana.”

The music video of Janella Salvador's cover version will be launched on Friday, November 18simultaneously in Disney Channel and Disney Philippines's social media accounts. (A teaser may be viewed at http://youtu.be/cVsILwD-umM.)

“How Far I'll Go” is one of seven original songs from the “Moana” soundtrack and is written by the Tony Award-winning “Hamilton” composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The inspirational song boasts a soaring chorus and lyrics that echo the film’s plot of a young woman who leaves her South Pacific island to restore her people’s ancient role as master voyagers.

The Philippines localized music video aims to deliver the inspirational and positive message of “Moana”, which is to have courage, determination and compassion, while keeping a sense of adventure and a never-say-die attitude.

This local adaptation is in line with the studio’s approach to dream, create and celebrate the most magical stories and adventures, each woven around a relatable, empowered local idol who delights everyone and especially inspires girls to realize their full potential.

Janella is one of five singers from Southeast Asia, namely Maudy Ayunda from Indonesia, AydaJebat from Malaysia, Myra Molloy from Thailand and MinhNhu from Vietnam, who were selected to cover the song in each of their local languages.

About Disney’s Moana

For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of AuliʻiCravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by OsnatShurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and OpetaiaFoa‘i, “Moana” sails into theaters in the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016. For more information, visit http://www.disney.ph/, like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movies: DEMIGOD MAUI FINDS VOICE, STRENGTH IN DWAYNE JOHNSON FOR “MOANA”

And he was also recently reveled to be People's "Sexiest Man Alive"

Maui is a demigod—half god, half mortal, all awesome. Charismatic and funny, he wields a magical fishhook that allows him to shapeshift into all kinds of animals and pull up islands from the sea. He lassoed the sun to give humans longer days and harnessed the breeze for their benefit.

Filmmakers called on superstar Dwayne Johnson to provide the voice of Maui in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana,” the sweeping, CG-animated film about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest.

“He’s very connected to his Samoan roots,” says director Ron Clements. “Maui is a charismatic character and Dwayne is nothing if not charismatic. He has great comedic timing, nails the action scenes and is so likable. And he can sing.”

Johnson was sold on the role. “We all grew up with stories of Maui—this great demigod who’s larger than life,” he says. “It just blows you away as a kid. So it was an opportunity to showcase my culture and to be part of something that was truly historic. And I’m not saying that because I’m a little biased.”

Artists were inspired by the actor. “There is definitely a little Dwayne in Maui,” says art director of characters Bill Schwab. “We didn’t want it to feel like a caricature, we just wanted to convey the feeling of Dwayne—which really comes out in the animation with his eyebrows. We were also inspired by his maternal grandfather, who was also a wrestler. He just really had to look cool.”

“I paid close attention to how Dwayne would accent his dialogue with his head movement,” says animation supervisor Mack Kablan. “Dwayne has this air of confidence to him that was really well-suited to the character of Maui that we wanted to incorporate.”

In the film’s story, Maui was once considered the greatest hero in Oceania, but after a fateful decision, he finds himself banished to solitude. “Maui is responsible for the trouble that threatens Moana’s people,” says director John Musker. “He’s paying a price for his actions and is somewhat of a lost hero—a shadow of his former self.”

“He’s always looking for man’s approval,” says head of story David Pimentel. “He wants to be liked.”

“The more praise he gets, the more he wants to do,” adds John Ripa, head of story. “So he decides to steal the heart of Te Fiti, thinking it’ll win him the love and adoration of everyone. He believes it’ll give him the power of creation. He has no idea of the damage it does—of the darkness that is unleashed.”

It’ll take hundreds of years and one determined teenager for him to have the opportunity to undo his actions. “Moana needs him to right his wrongs and restore what’s been lost,” says Musker.

Embarking on an important journey of self-discovery alongside Moana, Maui brings his super strength—as well as his super-sized issues. “He has an all-encompassing drive to succeed that gets him into trouble,” concludes Clements. “But facing the reason behind it isn’t easy.”

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 30, Moana is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movie News: RELEASE OF DISNEY’S “MOANA” THEME SONG IN SOUTHEAST ASIA LOCAL LANGUAGES

11thNovember 2016, Singapore – Disney’s latest animation title, Moana, will feature the lead song, “How Far I’ll Go” and the track will be adapted into five Southeast Asia local languages – Bahasa Indonesian, Bahasa Melayu, Thai, Vietnamese and English.

Five singers from Southeast Asia, namely Janella Salvador from the Philippines, Maudy Ayunda from Indonesia, AydaJebat from Malaysia, Myra Molloy from Thailand and MinhNhu from Vietnam were selected to cover the song in each of their local languages.

 Launch dates of the local version of the music videos as follow:

•           9th November - Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesia), Bahasa Melayu (Malaysia) and

Vietnamese (Vietnam)

•           15th November -             Thai (Thailand)

•           18th November -             English (Philippines)

 

All five singers performed the song together for the first time at the Disney’s Moana press junket held in Singapore on 8th November and also present at the event were Auli’ICravalho (voice of Moana), OsnatShurer (Producer), Roger Lee (Singaporean Lighting Artist) and Griselda Sastrawinata (Indonesian Visual Development Artist).

 Alessia Cara’s version of the song is out now, and the Southeast Asia local languages to be released on all digital music services on 18th November.

 Disney’s Moana opens in cinemas across the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016.

 About Disney’s Moana

For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of AuliʻiCravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by OsnatShurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and OpetaiaFoa‘i, “Moana” sails into theaters in the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016.  For more information, visit http://www.disney.sg/, like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movies: DIRECTORS OF “THE LITTLE MERMAID,” “ALADDIN” RETURN WITH “MOANA”

"The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" were a big part of my childhood. Knowing that the directors of these films are behind the upcoming "Moana" makes me more excited to see the film! 

Ron Clements and John Musker, the directing team behind Oscar-winning classics The Little Mermaid and Aladdin now brings to the screen Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana,” the sweeping, CG-animated film about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest.

During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

“Moana is a vibrant, tenacious 16-year-old growing up on an island where voyaging is forbidden,” says Ron Clements. “But Moana has been drawn to the ocean since she can remember. She’s torn between what’s expected of her and what she is compelled to do.”

John Musker shares what drew him to the sweeping adventure of Moana. “I was fascinated by the world of Oceania,” he says. “I read novels by Joseph Conrad and Herman Melville. But once I began to explore their history as voyagers and read the mythology—particularly about this cultural hero called Maui—I was hooked, so to speak.”

When first thinking of setting an animated feature in the beautiful Pacific Islands, Clements and Musker recalled from their youth beloved novels and paintings about the Pacific. But once they began exploring the incredible tales within Polynesian mythology a few years ago, the filmmakers realized they needed to dive much, much deeper. They knew they needed to go to the islands of the Pacific to see the places and meet the people in person.

Among the many people they met, one meeting stood out, recalls Clements. “An elder on the island of Mo‘orea asked of us something so simple and so revealing: ‘For years, we have been swallowed by your culture,’ he said. ‘This one time, can you be swallowed by ours?’”

The Pacific Ocean is home to thousands of islands and island nations, known to generations as Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. But, as the filmmakers learned, many Pacific Islanders consider the entire region not in sections, but as the whole of Oceania. Further, while the islands themselves range in size, inhabitants of these islands consider the ocean between them very much a part of their world—a world many times bigger than the United States. Filmmakers were deeply inspired by the people who live there, the cultures they celebrate, and the history and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

So Clements and Musker, along with a group of artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios, traveled to the southern region of Oceania. Their mission was to experience the islands not as tourists, but as observers, researchers and students—to listen. “We came away from these trips not only with ideas, images and inspirations for our story, but with an even stronger resolve that we wanted to make something that the people we met would embrace,” says Musker. “We aren’t making a documentary, of course; it’s an animated feature and a work of fiction. But our experiences infused our imaginations in a way we hadn’t anticipated.”

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 30, Moana is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movies: “MOANA” ANSWERS CALL OF THE OCEAN IN HIGH-SEAS ADVENTURE

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.

“Moana is the 16-year-old daughter of the chief of Motunui,” says director Ron Clements. “She’s athletic, nimble, compassionate and incredibly smart. She has a never-say-die attitude and a profound connection to the ocean.”

“So it’s troubling to her, to say the least, that her people don’t go beyond the reef surrounding their island,” adds director John Musker. “They stay within the confines of that reef, and Moana doesn’t really understand why.”

The story is inspired in part by the oral histories of the people and cultures of Oceania. Three thousand years ago, Polynesian voyagers, the greatest navigators in the world, voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering thousands of islands. But then, according to scholars, for approximately a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows exactly why. “Navigation is such a big part of Pacific culture,” says Musker. “The ancient Polynesians found their way across the seas without the use of modern instruments, using their knowledge of nature, the stars, the waves and the currents.”

Adds Clements, “We heard many times that the ocean doesn’t separate the islands, it connects them. Voyaging is a real source of pride for Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity. They were, and continue to be, some of the greatest explorers of all time. What they did was quite sophisticated, borderline miraculous.”

There are many theories, but no one is certain, about what may have led to this 1,000-year gap in exploration; this sparked the filmmakers’ imaginations. Says Musker, “In our story, our heroine, Moana, is at the heart of the rebirth of wayfinding.”

During her journey, Moana meets the mighty demigod Maui, a larger-than-life character who was inspired by multitudes of varied tales and legends about him throughout the Oceania region. Says Musker, “We were fascinated by the stories we read, the tales told to us by experts in the region. Maui was larger-than-life, a trickster and a shapeshifter. He could pull up whole islands from the sea with his fishhook; he had the power to slow down the sun. He is an incredible figure.”

Maui, who’s on his own journey of self-discovery, reluctantly guides Moana in her quest to become a master wayfinder and save her people. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

“It’s a story that takes place many, many years ago, but with a contemporary feel,” says producer Osnat Shurer. “Our hope as filmmakers has been to create a universal story that is also an homage to the beautiful people of the Pacific Islands who inspired us along this journey.”

Filmmakers cast newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of Moana, and Dwayne Johnson lends his voice to demigod Maui. The voice cast also includes Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab ; Rachel House as Moana’s trusted Gramma Tala; Temuera Morrison as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Alan Tudyk as the voice of dumb rooster Heihei; and Nicole Scherzinger voices Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina.

Helmed by Clements and Musker, the directing team behind “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin” “The Princess & the Frog,” and produced by Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), “Moana” features music from a diverse and dynamic team that includes Tony®-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton”), Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina (“Tarzan” “The Lion King”) and Opetaia Foaʻi (founder and lead singer of the world music award-winning band Te Vaka).

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana” sails into Philippine theaters on Nov. 30, 2016.

“Moana” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movie News: VOICE OF MOANA AND FILMMAKERS IN SINGAPORE

Singapore, 21^st October 2016 – The voice of Moana, Auli'i Cravalho, in Disney’s latest animation film will find her way to the shores of the island of Singapore this November, together with the producer of the movie, Osnat Shurer, and two Southeast Asian Disney animation artists – Singaporean Roger Lee (Lighting Artist) and Indonesia Griselda Sastrawinata (Visual Development Artist). They will be in town for a press junket and a special festive light-up event at Marina Bay Sands.

Auli'I Cravalho (voice of Moana), Osnat Shurer (Producer), Roger Lee (Lighting Artist)and Griselda Sastrawinata (Visual Development Artist) will meet the fans and the press at the Marina Bay Sands festive light-up event on 9^th November Wednesday, 8.15pm at ArtScience Museum; where there will be an opening stage performance by the Polynesian TeVaka dance troupe, followed by a special light-up ceremony by the movie talent and filmmakers to kick off the festive season at the integrated resort.

The public will also get an opportunity to learn how to draw Disney’s Moana characters at two drawing tutorials conducted by Griselda Sastrawinata on 9^th of November, Wednesday at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Expo and Convention Centre. There will be two available drawing tutorial timeslots to choose from – 5.20pm or6.20pm. Capacity is limited at the drawing tutorials; registration is on first come, first serve basis via http://disneymoana.asia/

Both Southeast Asian animation artists, Roger Lee and Griselda Sastrawinata, will also be conducting an animation workshop for digital animation, visual effects and motion graphics students. As part of the Marina Bay Sands’ Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Sands for Singapore; beneficiaries from the integrated resort’s designated charities will also be invited to attend this workshop to learn more about animation production.

For more information, please visit http://www.Facebook.com/WaltDisneyStudiosPH.

About Disney’s Moana

For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of Auliʻi Cravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i, “Moana” sails into Philippine theaters on November 30, 2016. For more information, visit and like us on Facebook,http://www.Facebook.com/WaltDisneyStudiosPH

Movies: “MOANA” & MAUI SET SAIL TO UNCHARTED WATERS IN MAIN TRAILER

The main trailer for the new animated adventure “Moana” – starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Auli'i Cravalho in the titular role – has just been released by Disney and may viewed athttp://youtu.be/waB4U9Wc3x4.

The film sails into Philippine theaters Nov. 30.

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The film is directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,”, “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”).

“Moana” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movies: “MOANA” MASTERS THE SEAS IN NEWLY LAUNCHED PAYOFF POSTER

Disney has just released the payoff poster for the new, seafaring animated adventure “Moana” starring Dwayne Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho. The film sails into Philippine cinemas Nov. 30.

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The film is directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,”, “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”).

“Moana” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Movie News: WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS REVEALS THE CHARACTERS AND VOICE TALENT FOR UPCOMING FEATURE FILM “MOANA”

Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger Join Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson in Epic Big-Screen Adventure

July 26, 2016 – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” which opens in theaters across the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016, features a dynamic roster of characters brought to life by a talented group of actors. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who were behind “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” “Moana” showcases the life-changing journey of a tenacious 16-year-old who teams up with the mighty demigod Maui to fulfill an ancient quest.

        

The newly revealed characters and voice talent join the already announced duo that includes newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, who lends her voice to the title character, Moana, a teenager who dreams of becoming a master wayfinder, and Dwayne Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”), who voices Maui—half god, half mortal, all awesome.

“Our assembled voice cast for this film is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Musker. “We are so fortunate to have this group of talented actors, many from Oceania, breathing life into their characters.”

Added Clements, “We are so thankful to have found such extraordinary people who not only capture the voices of these characters, they elevate them in every way.”

Joining Cravalho and Johnson are the following performers.

• JEMAINE CLEMENT (“The BFG,” “Despicable Me,” “Rio,” “Rio 2,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” Flight of the Conchords) provides the voice of TAMATOA, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab who lives in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. The conceited crustacean wants to be more than a “bottom feeder” and overcompensates for this perceived shortcoming by covering himself in all things shiny.

  
  
  

• RACHEL HOUSE (“Whale Rider,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”) lends her voice to GRAMMA TALA, Moana’s confidante and best friend, who shares her granddaughter’s special connection to the ocean. Although her son Tui, the chief of Motunui, is a no-nonsense leader, Gramma Tala most definitely dances to the beat of her own drum.

  
  

• TEMUERA MORRISON (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Six Days, Seven Nights”) voices Moana’s father, CHIEF TUI, the gregarious and well-respected leader of the people of Motunui Island. Chief Tui wants Moana to follow in his footsteps as leader of their people, but fears his daughter’s draw to the ocean and the world that lies beyond their reef.

  
  
  

• NICOLE SCHERZINGER (Grammy®-nominated singer, West End's "Cats") voices Moana’s mother, SINA, who always has her daughter’s back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water, but also wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef. 

  
  
  

• ALAN TUDYK, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”), is behind the voice of HEIHEI. Heihei is one dumb rooster—the village idiot, in fact. When the clueless chicken accidently stows away on Moana’s canoe, he lands a front-row seat for her epic journey.

The roster of characters also includes the KAKAMORA, an intense team of crazy, coconut-armored pirates who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and PUA,Moana’s loyal pet pig with puppy energy and an innocent puppy brain.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

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 Auliʻi Cravalho) meets the 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. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), “Moana” sails into Philippine theaters on Nov. 30, 2016. For more information, visit http://disney.com/moana, like us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana; follow us on Twitter,http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation; follow us on Instagram,https://instagram.com/DisneyAnimation.