Dwayne Johnson: Feel 'Moana' will always serve a bigger purpose than just a film
Mumbai, July 14
Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has reflected on the deeper significance of Moana, saying the film has always been about far more than entertainment as it continues to celebrate Polynesian culture, inspire young Pasifika children, and prove that authentic representation on the global stage.
Johnson shared a video of himself performing the scared Samoan Taualuga dance along with Catherine Laga'aia on stage at the world premiere of Moana.
He wrote: "One of most soul moving moments of my life - proudly showcasing our Samoan culture for the world - at our world premiere of MOANA."
"In front of 5,000 of our family, friends and fans at the Hollywood Bowl - dancing with my two youngest daughters, Jazzy & Tia (big sis @simone.alexandra01 proudly watching), and mama bear @laurenhashianofficial proudly watches on, with our aiga @tiana_nonosina @kay.faam + our @nonosina1965 dancers - lead by our Moana, @catherinelagaaia beautifully performing our scared Samoan Taualuga dance."
Johnson reveals why Moana has a bigger purpose.
"I feel that our movie Moana will always serve a bigger purpose than just a film - it's representation. Our Polynesian culture showcased to the world, and embraced by the world - with love, humility, warrior spirit and MANA," said the star.
"To be yourself, you have to see yourself - and now our Pasifika culture - especially our kids can see themselves on the world's biggest platform in our film. To all our Polynesian kids, when you watch our movie, Moana - I want you to remind yourselves, "that's me up there" and just know that's there's nothing in this world that you can't do!!" Johnson concluded.
Moana is the live-action adaptation of Disney's 2016 animated film Moana. The third installment and the first live-action film in the Moana franchise, the film was directed by Thomas Kail.
The film stars Johnson, Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Jemaine Clement and Catherine Laga'aia in her film debut as the title character.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is exactly what Hollywood needs more of. Not just using other cultures as a backdrop, but actually bringing in the people, the dances, the emotions. Johnson performing the Taualuga dance with his daughters? That's pure heart. Compare this to how Bollywood sometimes handles regional cultures - we could learn something about authenticity here. Thoda aur research karo, thoda aur respect do - would work wonders.
I'm a Westerner who lived in India for three years, and this article makes me smile. Representation matters so much - I saw what it meant to my Indian friends when local stories went global. The Rock is doing something genuinely meaningful here. It's not just a film, it's a mirror for an entire community of kids. Bravo. 🌺
The Rock is a legend for this. It's like how our Bollywood stars sometimes bring their own culture into their work - but this is next level. Performing a sacred dance with family on stage at the premiere? That takes courage and deep conviction. Moana was already a beautiful film, and now knowing it's rooted in authentic representation makes it even more special. Can't wait to see the live-action version!
I appreciate the sentiment, but let's also remember that this is a Disney production - how much of the profit goes back to Polynesian communities? It's great that Dwayne Johnson is proud of his heritage, but representation without economic benefit feels incomplete. Just like when Bollywood films go international but the local crews don't get their fair share. Still, the message about kids seeing themselves on screen is powerful. Just hope the industry goes further with real equity.
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