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

CHICAGO (WLS) – The countdown is on to 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 has a Pacific Island background.

“We grew up without there being a film that represented us,” he said. “Then in 2016, the original ‘Moana’ came out and we were all thrilled to see so much of our culture represented on the big screen.”

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

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

Film producer Christina Chen explained how the film franchise 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 the bar high in terms of how we can make sure the authenticity and representation of the culture sounds authentic.”

Asked if he was ready to become an icon, Chung said: “If anything, I hope it inspires a lot more people across the Pacific. That it inspires people to just do what their heart desires and not worry about boundaries.” This society just wants to strive, dream, just strive for what you want to achieve and strive for that to be who you want to be.

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

“Moana 2” won’t be in theaters until November 27th.

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