Coco Talanoa — Entertainment / Page 1
Luciane Buchanan Talks 'The Night Agent' Season 2, and Tongan Zendaya
Star of 'The Night Agent', Tongan actor Luciane Buchanan, sits down with Coco Correspondent (and her cousin!!) Josephina Folau for an inside scoop on the new season ahead and where we find Luciane's character as the action heats up in Season 2.
She opens up about her collaboration with Vea Mafile'o 'Lea Tupu'anga / Mother Tongue' premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, what it's like being dubbed the 'Zendaya from Temu'
The Night Agent Season 2 streams on Netflix from Jan 23, 2025 ⏯️
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Interviewer - Josephina 'Boopc' Folau

Who Has the Right to Tell Polynesian Stories? Animator Buck Woodall Sues Disney Over Moana:
In a high-profile lawsuit filed in a California federal court, animator Buck Woodall has accused Disney of stealing his ideas for their Moana franchise. Seeking $10 billion in damages, Woodall claims that the Moana storyline and visuals were lifted from his animated project Bucky, a story set in an ancient Polynesian village that he says he worked on for 17 years.
The case has sparked debates not only about intellectual property but also about cultural storytelling and the responsibilities of creators working with Indigenous narratives.
The Lawsuit: Woodall vs. Disney
According to the lawsuit, Woodall alleges that Disney’s Moana—including its forthcoming sequel—borrowed heavily from his copyrighted screenplay and trailer for Bucky, originally registered in 2004 and updated in 2014. The plot of Bucky, as described by Woodall, follows teenagers in a Polynesian village who embark on a quest to protect their homeland, a premise he believes strongly resembles Moana.
The complaint further alleges that Woodall’s former colleague, Michael Marchick, shared his materials with Disney, leading to their alleged appropriation.…more

Na Vakatawase : Fiji’s New Year's Traditions
In Fiji, the arrival of the New Year is marked by a unique celebration known as Na Vakatawase, which translates to "The Division" or "The Separation."
This name symbolizes the division of the old year from the new, a ritual to both honor the year that has passed and rejoice in the possibilities of the year to come. As the clock strikes twelve, families gather to reflect on the year that has passed and to give thanks for the blessings they've received. Once the church service is over, the celebrations take a lively turn with the tradition of Veisui and Vakamamaca, both of which are closely linked to the idea of cleansing and renewal.
Veisui (meaning 'to splash water') involves splashing water on friends, family, and even strangers. This practice is believed to wash away the sins or misdeeds of the past year, symbolizing a fresh start and the cleansing of the soul. It's a playful and joyful act, often done with much laughter and camaraderie.
Vakamamaca (meaning 'to dry') is the follow-up to Veisui.…more
I Meet Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in Hawaii
Content Creator Uce Gang recently realised one of his biggest dreams when he met his idol Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Auli'i Cravalho Talks Moana 2, Her Hollywood Journey & Birthday Feeds!
🌺 Actress and Moana 2 star Auli'i Cravalho sits down with Coco Correspondent and PEAK Pasifika founder Kristian Fanene Schmidt to reflect on her journey in Hollywood, the importance of Pacific Islander representation, and her exciting future ahead.
The two discuss everything from working with Dana Ledoux Miller and the Moana team to Auli'i's upcoming birthday celebration filled with the best Pasifika feeds!
Moana 2 coming to cinemas November 27 2024 🎬

Instruments of the Moana: Stories of forgotten Pacific musical instruments
Uncover Pacific Heritage in Instruments of the Moana: A New Docuseries Exploring the Lost Sounds of the Pacific
Instruments of the Moana, the eight-part docuseries that offers an incredible journey into the musical heritage of the Pacific. Hosted by Samoan-Niuean storyteller Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, this series spans Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, and the Solomon Islands, where Tau’ili’ili revives traditional instruments that once defined island life. These unique instruments, nearly forgotten with time, held deep meaning and were central to cultural identity.
Reflecting on his mission, Tau’ili’ili shares, “Though I was born & raised in Samoa, my wife and I were blessed with parenthood as immigrants to Aotearoa. Our kids therefore, are children of the migration. And if Aotearoa is home, then it is my responsibility as a parent to provide information about elements from their ancestral home that were, and still are, important to their identity marker, that is beyond sports and entertainment.…more
TINĀ: Trailer
In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, sassy Samoan mother Mareta mentors her newly formed school choir to The Big Sing final.
In NZ Cinemas Feb 11th 2025. Starring Anapela Polataivao, Antonia Robinson, Beulah Koale, Dalip Sondhi & Nicole Whippy

Raru e Maruakaītā: A Fresh Take on Cook Islands Fables Debuts in New Zealand
Cook Islands theatre is making waves on the New Zealand stage, and at the heart of this movement are two passionate creatives: Poe Tiare Tararo and Roy Iro. Their latest collaboration, Raru e Maruakaītā, a play based on a traditional Cook Islands fable, will debut at Te Pou Theatre in Henderson this November.
Both Tararo and Iro are dedicated to bringing stories from their Cook Islands heritage to the forefront of theatre, creating a space where myths, legends, and contemporary experiences are celebrated.
Poe Tiare Tararo, the playwright and lead actor in Raru e Maruakaītā, has long been driven by the desire to preserve and share the stories of the Cook Islands. For her, theatre is more than just a form of artistic expression; it's a way to keep her culture alive.
"I have always felt a responsibility to write about the stories that my grandparents and ancestors passed down.…more

Bernard Kumar: The Samoan-Fijian Visionary Bringing Polynesian Talent to the Global Stage
Edenfest, Promiseland, Souled Out—massive line-ups, featuring some of the biggest international stars. But who’s behind these iconic festivals?
Pacific Island men, that’s who. It’s no surprise that such incredible events have emerged from our very own Polynesians, who are known for their talent and hard work.
In this case, the mastermind behind Festco AU is Bernard Kumar alongside the wider OG Festco team.
Emal Naim, the backbone of the company, Alex McDonell the Talent Agent that makes the big connections, and his Samoan Co-Founder who prefers to remain anonymous-but has been Bernard’s partner from day 1.
Hailing from Samoan, Fijian-Indian heritage, Bernard's rise from modest beginnings to a key player in the entertainment world is one for the books. Maybe even for Netflix one day.
From growing up in the islands, to running some of the most successful concerts in Australasia. He remembers his day’s as a young kid in Fiji.…more

Pacific Films At the Hawaiian Film Festival 2024
The Hawaiian Film Festival proudly celebrates its 44th year of promoting, educating, and showcasing filmmakers from the Asia-Pacific region. This year, the Festival will take place from October 2nd to November 10th across eight locations and islands.
The 2024 lineup features a star-studded selection of Pacific and local talent, including the highly anticipated world premiere of TINĀ, directed by Samoan-born, Aotearoa-based filmmaker Miki Magasiva.
TINĀ
is an inspiring, light-hearted yet rhythmic tear-jerker that tells the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on the role of substitute teacher at an elite, all-white private school. She finds that the seemingly privileged children are crying out for guidance, inspiration, and love. Drawing from her cultural roots, Mareta empowers her students by forming a choir, all while facing bias from a privileged community intent on keeping her in her place.…more