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

It was a big night for Pacific Boxing last night as the IBF Cruiserweight Title Fight Night showcased the best performances the Pacific has to offer.

Jai Opetaia: And Still

Headlining the event, Australian-Samoan Jai Opetaia defended his IBF Cruiserweight Title in spectacular fashion. Opetaia delivered a breathtaking fourth-round knockout against David Nyika, cementing his place among boxing’s elite.

After overcoming serious injuries in his 2022 title win against Mairis Briedis, Opetaia’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Defending his title after just a short 4 months since his win against Jack Massey in October last year. Speaking of his career-defining win, he previously said, “I’ve put everything on the line to get here. This is my dream.”

Opetaia’s victory showcased not only his technical skill but also his unyielding determination, a trait he credits to his Pasifika roots. Fans waved Samoan flags with pride as Opetaia celebrated his (not so) hard-fought victory.…more

Samoan Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia & David Nyika Face Off ahead of their highly anticipated fight TONIGHT! In Australia.

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

In Fiji, like many Pacific Islands, the focus of Christmas has always been the birth of Jesus Christ. For most Fijians, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are primarily about spiritual reflection and church celebrations.

Christmas Eve is often a time when Fijian families attend church services, and Christmas Day is filled with special church skits, singing, and communal meals to honor the birth of Christ. It’s a day that is rooted in religion and devotion, with many people dedicating the entire day to worship and fellowship.

One unique tradition that truly embodies the Fijian sense of unity is the Kalavata (pronounced Colour-vah-tah), a custom where the entire family wears matching outfits made from the same material.

It’s a striking visual representation of the family unit, symbolizing their togetherness and love for one another. This tradition is one of pride and respect, where the family dresses up in bright, colorful fabrics, often with floral or patterned prints, creating a festive and harmonious look for the Christmas celebrations.…more

The Fijian Tradition of Asking for a Maiden's Hand in Marriage

Fiji is known for its beautiful landscapes and culture, particularly when it comes to marriage customs and December to January is particularly a time commonly picked by couples to celebrate in matrimony.

One key tradition before the wedding is how a young man asks for a maiden's hand in marriage. In the song “io” sung by Apakuki Nalawa of the band Inside Out he sings “au na Duguci iko, mo rosi ni nodaru vuvale vou” which summarises the Duguci process so beautifully, “i will come for you, so that you may be the rose in the flowerbed that our new family creates."

The path to marriage in Fiji includes 20 important stages, each with its own meaning. The first stage is called Taibailago, where the young man’s family tells the young woman’s parents that their son is interested in their daughter. This step is crucial as it marks the beginning of the courtship.

As the couple moves through the stages, they experience various important rituals.…more