“Moana 2” emphasizes the importance of culture, representation, said actor Hualalai Chung and producer Christina Chen

CHICAGO — The countdown is on for the arrival of “Moana 2” on the big screen this week with the brave young heroine’s latest adventure.

Hualalai Chung plays “Moni”, Moana’s new sidekick. Chung is Polynesian and comes from a Pacific Island background.

“We grew up not having a film that represented us,” he said. “Back then, back in 2016, the original ‘Moana’ came out and we were all so excited to see so much of our culture represented on the big screen.”

Chung described the character “Moni” as everyone’s best friend.

“He’s quirky. He’s warm-hearted. He’s fun-loving. So much so that sometimes he doesn’t know what’s going on around him,” Chung said. “He serves this purpose and is not only the rower of the canoe, but he is also there to sort of recite legends.”

Film producer Christina Chen explained how the film series has become an important tool for highlighting culture.

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“For us, history and culture go hand in hand,” Chen said. “The first film really set a high bar for how we make sure the authenticity and the cultural representation align.”

When asked if he was ready to be an icon, Chung said, “If anything, I hope that it inspires so many more people across the Pacific. That it inspires people to just go after what their heart desires and not worrying about the limits that society holds around us. To just strive, to dream, to go after what you want to achieve, to be who you want to be.”

When asked what she wanted Chicago audiences to know about “Moana 2,” Chen added, “We just hope people come out of theaters dancing and singing. It’s such a family-friendly movie, and we hope just that people have the best time.”

“Moana 2” opens in theaters only on November 27.

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