I watched Moana 2. I have so many thoughts running through my mind. When I watched the original Moana I was just so excited to see Pacific people on the screen, even if in cartoon form read the blog I wrote. I have grown and my mindset has changed a little since then. I no longer want to settle for representation I want to have our names pronounced correctly, I want negative stereotypes of Pacific people to be replaced by authentic stories, I want our Pacific people to be known for more than just a cartoon, rugby or wrestling.
So, I had to remind myself throughout the Moana 2 movie that Motu Nui is not a real place and that Moana is not a real person. That this movie is the commercialisation and amalgamation of different cultures into something that is more palatable for western viewers.
When I overlooked this, I was able to see Pacific cultural themes that had been woven into the movie that were amazing and that our politicians and world leaders could adapt into their policies.
Our ancestors were not just navigators, we were builders, we were horticulturalists, scientists, artists, storytellers and leaders. Did we go to university for this? No! we passed on the knowledge through our people so that it continued even today. Was our language always written? No, but we recorded our stories in art, our siapo and tapa and even our tattoos. Education was free in that it did not cost money. People earned their knowledge through hard work and dedication, not always through essays and exams. School fees and how education is taught today are barriers to all who want to learn. Free education for all!
The movie also highlighted the strong relationship between people, land and sea. That there needs to be balance between all three for us all to survive. Today people see consumerism and convenience as more important than their effects on the environment. We need to do more to look after our environment so that there is a world for our future generations to enjoy and live on. Save the environment!
I loved that there was a theme around acceptance of people from different places. The acknowledgement that without accepting and getting to know others we would not be able to survive. That each of us bring something to the table that can be shared for the greater good. We cannot pick and choose who to be kind to. End Racism! Free Palestine! Free Lebanon! Free West Papua! Free Congo! Free Somalia! Free your mind!
The last theme that I wanted to mention today is that our ancestors are always there for us, supporting us and watching over us. What are we doing to make them proud? What are we doing to repay the sacrifices that they made for us? Are we living the values that our ancestors believed in? Growing up in a westernised world we are taught to remove ourselves from the community minded life in the Pacific islands to one where we think of only ourselves. Think about the greater good! Remember where you came from!
So, I have finished making a cartoon movie about politics and culture and my opinions. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for sharing your reflections on Moana 2. Your perspective resonates deeply with me as a proud Solomon Islander from Malaita Province, rooted in a culture that values authenticity, sustainability, and the preservation of our stories and traditions.
While I understand the excitement of seeing Pacific representation on screen, I share your sentiment that we should strive for more than surface-level recognition. Authenticity matters, especially when representing the richness of our cultures to the world. Like you, I believe our languages should be spoken correctly, our stories told genuinely, and our people celebrated for their multifaceted contributions—not just the stereotypes of sports, wrestling, or cartoons.
Your observation about our ancestors’ vast knowledge resonates with how my family in Ferafolia preserves our cultural heritage. Through traditional practices, storytelling, and daily life, we keep the wisdom of our ancestors alive—proving that education can be practical, communal, and deeply rooted in our environment. I wholeheartedly agree that modern education systems could benefit from embracing these values, offering free and accessible education that prioritizes knowledge-sharing over monetary costs.
The balance between people, land, and sea is central to our way of life in Malaita. Your call to action for environmental protection mirrors what we live daily in Ferafolia. By practicing sustainability, we ensure our land, sea, and cultural heritage thrive for future generations. This is a message the world needs to hear and act upon urgently.
Your mention of unity and acceptance strikes a chord. In Ferafolia, we welcome visitors from all over to experience our way of life, emphasizing that every culture brings value to the table. Your plea to “end racism” and embrace inclusivity reflects the Pacific values of community and respect.
Finally, the reminder of our ancestors’ enduring presence in our lives is profound. Everything we do in Ferafolia—sharing our culture, preserving our traditions, and teaching our children—honors their legacy. As Pacific people, we must ask ourselves daily: Are we making our ancestors proud? Are we living by their values and contributing to the greater good?
Thank you for this powerful reflection. It reaffirms the importance of staying true to our roots, protecting our environment, embracing unity, and living a life that honors our ancestors.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
– Ireen Timor
Vinaka vakalevu,this is wonderful,thank you
Love your thoughts!