Disney has announced that Moana will be the first of its films to be translated into Te Reo Māori.
Now Kiwi screenwriter Taika Waititi has put the call out for fluent speakers.
Moana, which follows the tale of a young Polynesian girl in a quest to save her island, had huge influence from New Zealanders – with Jemaine Clement, Oscar Kightley, Temuera Morrison and Rachel House all filling key roles in the film.
Much of the Kiwi cast will reprise their roles – but the role of Moana will be taken from Hawaiian Auli’i Cravalho, and given to a young Māori-speaking girl.
Waititi said creating a Māori version of Moana is a significant step.
“For indigenous audiences to hear films in their own language is a huge deal – helping to normalise the native voice and give a sense of identification,” he said.
“It also encourages our youth to continue with their love and learning of the language, letting them know their culture has a place in the world.”
The audition comprises of a filmed voice-over script in Te Reo, and a cover version of the movie’s most memorable song, ‘How Far I’ll go’.
Applicants must be fluent in Te Reo Māori, be at least 13, sound similar to original Moana Auli’I Cravalho, and be in Auckland between the dates of June 24 and July 12.
Auditions must be sent in before 5pm on Thursday, June 15.
26 Responses
I think thats awesome because it will let everyone know its from new zealand culture
I personally don’t like Moana much, but I’m glad that it’s coming out in Te Reo Maori. A Polynesian movie inspired by Polynesian myths should come out in Polynesian languages.
this is weird
good job putting it on Te Reo Maori
Hopefully that it comes out fine and the words are proper
its going to look great
I think it’s a cool idea because he makers are finally thinking of others and not just them self
This is cool, this is propobly the only movie that will translate a polynisian movie into a Te Reno movie
That’s awesome news can’t wait super exciting.
?
It is intresting.
it is cool.
moana is great
great
great i love it
That good
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS
Good luck with your movie
Good luck with your new movie in te reo
thats cool
I like like Moana.
This is great that they are catering for languages so everyone and anyone is able to enjoy the movie.
i like moana
I think it’s a great idea to make a Moana movie in te reo
I love it
I think that a guy idea
thats cool