According to the INDAC blog, one of the creators of the cartoon, John Musker, also confirmed this information at the last Annecy Film Festival. 'Moana' is not legally available for use in most European countries and, given that 'Vai' means 'water' and 'Moana' means 'ocean', the sense is ultimately the same.
It is a beautiful Hawaiian given name meaning "ocean, sea, or expanse of water." The name has been a firm favorite among Polynesian communities for years, gaining global popularity with the release of Disney's epic animated film in 2016.
Disney Changed Moana's Title In Italy Due To An Unfortunate Name Clash. The Italian-language version of Moana kept the main character's name as Vaiana, but switched the title to Oceana to avoid referencing a prominent adult film star well-known in Italy, Moana Pozzi.
Disney has renamed its upcoming animated feature "Moana" in Italy, calling it "Oceania." The reason behind the change is one of the country's most popular porn stars, the late Moana Pozzi, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
One of the largest issues critics have with “Moana,” they said, is that it perpetuates the stereotypical image of the Pacific as an exotic tropical getaway. They argue that it continues American colonialism of the region. “In Hawaii, the impact of the American occupation is something nobody wants to see," Kelly said.
Although Moana is from the fictional island Motunui some 3,000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is based on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. In fact, once you start looking for ties to Polynesian culture in Moana, it's hard to stop!
The reasons behind the change of name are not completely clear, but a tweet from Disney España gives an important clue: 'Moana' is registered as a trademark in Spain, and in a number of other European countries, hence the change to Vaiana in Europe.
Moana is called Vaiana in Germany, even if you watch it in English it'll have the name changed both in the title card and whenever mentioned (yes also in the song called I Am Moana which turns into Ich bin Vaiana) but you'll get used to it.
All showings of the film were entirely in Māori without English subtitles. The film centers around a Polynesian princess named Moana, who travels the sea on an adventure to help bring peace to her homeland. The film borrowed many Māori mythologies in the narrative and sparked debate about cultural sensitivity.
Many view the movie as a source of pride for Pacific Islanders. "I loved it! It was a proud moment for me when my family and I went to see it especially when they started singing in Samoan!
Origin:Pacific Islander. Meaning:Trickster god. Maui is a boy's name of Hawaiian and Maori origin. This name belongs to a trickster god in Polynesian mythology, and was also given to one of the Hawaiian islands.
The overarching message of Moana is, truly, that the worst thing to happen to you doesn't have to define you. Moana's father lives in fear due to a tragic past; Maui feels as though he is missing a critical part of himself without his hook; Te Fiti turns into a literal monster after she is attacked.
Moana—pronounced “moh-AH-nah,” not “MWAH-nah” means “ocean”—and the character is chosen by the sea itself to return the stolen heart of Te Fiti, who turns out to be an island deity (Tahiti, in its various linguistic forms, including Tafiti, is a pan-Polynesian word for any faraway place).
No, Disney has not changed the name of the character "Moana" to "Vaiana." "Moana" is the original name of the character and the animated film produced by Disney, released in 2016. The film is known as "Moana" in most countries, including the United States.
Maui (/maʊwiː/) is a fictional character from Walt Disney Animation Studios' 56th animated film, Moana. Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker, and voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is loosely based on Māui from Hawaiian mythology.
Moana means “ocean” in Maori, Hawaiian, and most other Polynesian languages. Hei Hei means “chicken.” Moana's father Tui is named after a New Zealand bird. Her grandmother's name, Tala, means “story” in Samoan. Moana's pet pig is named Pua, which means “flower.”
Moana. She is Moana of Motunui, and being next in line to lead her tribe makes her an official Disney princess! Despite her differences with her father, the chief, she proved to be a fit leader when she risked her life to save her island and her people.
Moana Origin and Meaning
The name Moana is girl's name of Maori, Polynesian origin meaning "deep ocean, sea". This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine.
Currently, there are no official plans for an animated Moana 2 movie being developed for a theatrical release. However, in January 2022, Disney did confirm that a Moana sequel series was in the works for release on Disney+. This will continue the young heroine's story under director David G.
Moana (pronounced: moh-AH-nah) isn't just a Disney movie…it is the Hawaiian word for 'ocean'.
"Pua the pet pig was originally going on the journey with Moana, but the issue was that in a classic hero's journey, the hero leaves all comforts behind. And so we made the difficult decision to leave poor Pua at home, so that all things of Moana's family are left behind," says Shurer.
Te Fiti's appearance was based on the real island of Tahiti, with its reefs, forests, and lagoons in particular taking heavy inspiration from the main Tahitian island.
Gramma Tala: And when you find Maui, you grab him by the ear. You say... I am Moana of Motunui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te Fiti.