Disney premieres Moana 2 in Māori language, a historic first

On November 27, 2024, Disney made a significant cultural milestone by premiere 'Moana 2 Reo Māori' in theaters, particularly in New Zealand, which is home to the Māori people. This release was historic as it marked the first time a Disney animated feature debuted simultaneously in an Indigenous language alongside its English version. The film reunites Moana with Maui for a new adventure, three years after the original 'Moana.' The release of the Māori-language version represents a broader revitalization effort for the endangered Māori language and showcases the importance of cultural representation in modern cinema. Known as te reo Māori, the Māori language has seen revitalization initiatives since the 1970s, when Indigenous advocates petitioned the New Zealand government for educational reforms to include the Māori language and culture in schools. This grassroots movement garnered significant support and has influenced the current landscape of cultural representation in film and media. The creative team behind 'Moana' worked closely with Māori cultural experts to ensure the authenticity and respectfulness of the Māori elements portrayed in the films, particularly traditional forms of expression like haka, a ceremonial dance significant to Māori culture. The involvement of Māori co-producers reflects a commitment to not only showcase Māori culture but also validate and normalize the use of the Māori language in popular media. With previous Disney films translated into te reo, this latest release is a full-circle moment for Māori communities, showcasing their efforts to revitalize their language. Producers Chelsea Winstanley and Mia Henry-Teirney emphasized the importance of normalizing the Māori language in cinema, a dream that has now become a reality.