Disney's Princess Moana is Fierce - My Big Fat Cuban Family

Walt Disney Animation Studios has done it again. No one is surprised, of course. When the Disney animators take on a project, they commit heart and soul. That’s why Disney films are all instant classics. It’s in their DNA.

I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the making of MOANA and spending a day with the crew who brought her to life. Here’s my story of my day Behind the Scenes of Disney’s MOANA.

MOANA – (L-R) Jared Bush (Screenwriter), Dave Pimentel (Head of Story), David Derrick (Story Artist) and Sunmee Joh (Story Artist) present at the Moana Long Lead Press Day on July 27, 2016 at Walt Disney Animation Studios – Tujunga Campus in North Hollywood, CA. Photo by Alex Kang. © 2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Inspired by the history and culture of the Polynesian islands, Disney’s latest offering, MOANA is their 56th animated feature. The hero of this tale is young Moana, which means “ocean” in several Polynesian languages.

AULI‘I CRAVALHO lends her voice to the title character, MOANA, a teenager who dreams of becoming a master wayfinder. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

And unlike all the Disney princesses that came before, this girl can mostly be described as fierce. “Moana is the 16-year-old daughter of the chief of Motunui,” says director Ron Clements. “She’s brave, determined, compassionate and incredibly smart. She has a never-say-die attitude and a profound connection to the ocean.”

It’s troubling to young Moana that her people don’t go beyond the reef surrounding their island. They stay within the confines of that reef, and Moana doesn’t really understand why, especially since she’s felt drawn to the ocean her whole life.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes ?Moana,? a sweeping, CG-animated comedy-adventure about a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors’ quest. A born navigator, Moana sets sail from the ancient South Pacific islands of Oceania in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Aladdin”), “Moana” arrives in theaters in late 2016. ?2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

The film introduces a very special presence in Moana’s life: the Ocean—a living embodiment of the sea who’s chosen Moana to find the demi-god, Maui and return the heart of Te Fiti, saving her island and her people from the darkness that has begun to take over. The only problem is that Chief Tui, Moana’s father, forbids voyaging beyond the safety of the reef that lies just beyond their shores. Tui has seen too many voyage past the reef— and never return—and out of love for his people, has forbidden it. Moana must go against her father’s wishes to pursue her destiny set forth by the Ocean.

I’m telling you, this girl is fierce.

MOANA’S MISSION — Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) may be a demigod—half god, half mortal, all awesome—but he’s no match for Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho), who’s determined to sail out on a daring mission to save her people. Moana’s first challenge is convincing Maui to join her. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, produced by Osnat Shurer, and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i, “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

“The line where the sky meets the sea—it calls me.” Moana

Newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho provides the voice of Moana. It took 3 auditions, including her first trip to Burbank, Calif., until Cravalho was given the role. “She has the spirit of Moana,” says Producer Osnat Shurer. “We tease her and she teases us right back. There’s a fearlessness, but at the same time genuine warmth. She is a natural talent and a professional—but still a kid at heart.”