18 Nov 2016

Pacific band Te Vaka on their soundtrack to Disney film Moana

From RNZ Music, 1:30 pm on 18 November 2016
Moana trailer

Moana trailer Photo: Supplied

One of the biggest Pacific-based motion pictures in recent times, "Moana", is about to hit the big screen.

The Disney-Pixar story follows the adventures of a young Polynesian princess and navigator, the movie's namesake.

She's accompanied by the superhero-demigod Maui.

Some of contemporary Polynesia's storytellers are involved in the tale set 2000 years ago.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson gives voice to the character of Maui, with New Zealand's Rachel House and Temuera Morrison bringing Gramma Tala and Chief Tui to life.

Moana is played by Hawaiian newcomer Auli'i Cravalho and Taika Waititi wrote the initial script.

Dominic Godfrey spoke with Te Vaka's Opetaia and Julie Foa'i about their musical contributions which began back in 2013.

Opetaia and Julie Foa'i from Te Vaka.

Opetaia and Julie Foa'i from Te Vaka which is playing at the Los Angeles premiere of Moana on Thursday the 10th of November. Photo: Supplied/Te Vaka

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