'She's the heroine of her own story:' Moana's Auli'i Cravalho proud of Disney's Polynesian tale

Moana, Disney's new animated film centred on a feistyyoung Pacific Islander, arrivesat atimewhen diversity and culturally sensitive casting are hot-button topics in Hollywood.

The company's latest big-budget feature stars Auli'iCravalhoas the title character, a strong and adventurous young womanwho enlists the help of a demigod named Maui portrayed by Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson to embark on an epic mission to save her people.

In the works for several years, the ambitious project stands out on several fronts.

Firstly, it's a mainstream movie led by lead actors actuallyfrom the culture being depicted.Moanais set in the Pacific Islands andCravalhois nativeHawaiian, while Johnson is partially of Samoan heritage. Other cast members are also ofPolynesian descent.

'We want it to be done right:' Auli'i Cravalho on the Polynesian culture depicted in Moana

8 years ago

Duration 1:39

The teen star of Moana on seeing her culture depicted onscreen in Disney's latest animated film.

"Before Iwas cast into this film andwhen Ifirst heard about it, I was a little wary. Ithink whenever we hear about a film inspired by our culture, wewant it to be done right... we're protective of it,"Cravalhotold CBC News on Monday,during the Toronto stop of the film's global promotional tour.

"Ican honestly say I'm so proud of this film."

Moanais alsoDisney's first major attempt at depicting Polynesian characters and folklore, as well as the first so-called "Disney princess" tale that doesn't include a romanticstoryline.

"Moanais an incredible heroine. She's strong...She's got her two feet firmly planted. She's definitely grounded,"Cravalhosaid of the athletic character, whom she described as "a wonderful role model."

'She's the heroine of her own story'

One might call it fate that the teenagedCravalholanded the monumental lead role.

It's the first significant professional gig for the high-school glee club member, who didn't even formally audition for the film. Instead, she was discovered at a tryout for a local event by a talent agent who also happened to be castingMoanafor Disney.The character had even been fully designed before Cravalho was chosen.

"The fact that she looks like me, she shares my quirks and [now]she also has my voice it's a little weird. But I love it all the same," the teen performer said.

"She's an amazing character. She's bold, tenacious, she's the heroine of her own story. And she inspires me so I know she'll inspire others as well."

Aside from Moana's story and the cast, the creativeteam led by co-directorsRonClementsand JohnMusker also aim for authenticity with the movie's music.

The soundtrack and score were created by Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda and composer Mark Mancina in collaboration with Samoan musician Opetaia Foa'i. The tactic brought Mancinasuccess with an earlier Disney effort: teaming up with South African composer LeboM. to arrangeand producemusic for The Lion King.

The movie even has a Canadian tie-in: Toronto-area singer Alessia Cara performs a version of the songHow Far I'll Gofor the soundtrack and an official music video.

Now is the perfect time for a strong, Polynesian Disney heroine, according toCravalho,who celebrates her 16th birthday on Tuesday.

"I think Disney films are reflective of their times. And in this day and age, especially, we need more heroes and heroines...with their own story," she said.

Moanaopens in theatres Wednesday.

'He's literally a demigod:' Moana's Auli'i Cravalho on working with Dwayne Johnson

8 years ago

Duration 0:46

The teen on acting opposite larger-than-life Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson in Moana, her first major film.