On the vibrant island of Motunui, the inhabitants revere Te Fiti, the goddess who granted life to the ocean and its surrounding lands through her sacred heart, a powerful stone. The legendary demigod Maui, a shape-shifter and master navigator, takes the heart to bestow creation upon humanity. His audacious act leads to disastrous consequences: Te Fiti deteriorates into a desolate wasteland, and Maui is attacked by Te Ka, a formidable volcanic demon. In the ensuing turmoil, Maui loses his enchanted fishhook and the precious heart to the depths of the ocean.
Centuries later, Moana, the daring daughter of Motunui’s chief Tui, is chosen by the ocean to restore Te Fiti’s heart and mend the world. Despite the ocean’s call, her father, Tui, intervenes, pulling her away from her destined path and causing her to lose the heart once again. Tui and Moana’s mother, Sina, strive to protect her from the ocean’s persistent pull, focusing on preparing her for her future role as the island’s leader.
The film centers on Moana, a bold and resolute daughter of a Polynesian chief, who is selected by the ocean to restore harmony to her world. When a mysterious blight ravages her island, Moana sets out on an epic journey across the boundless ocean in search of Maui, a legendary demigod whose power can aid her quest. Her mission is to reunite a sacred relic with the goddess Te Fiti, aiming to lift the curse and save her people. Throughout her adventure, Moana faces perilous challenges and discovers her own destiny as a courageous leader.
Released on November 23, 2016, Moana quickly captivated audiences with its breathtaking animation, memorable music, and exceptional vocal performances. The film was a major box office success, earning over $690 million worldwide. It marked Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first dual feature film release in the same year since 2002, alongside Zootopia. At the 89th Academy Awards, Moana was honored with two nominations: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “How Far I’ll Go.”