Get ready to set sail for cinematic discovery as we delve into the untold story behind Disney's 2016 blockbuster, Moana! But before you think it's all about Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and a CGI-packed adventure on the high seas, let's turn back the clock nearly a century to the pioneering silent film that laid the groundwork for this modern masterpiece. Meet Robert Flaherty's 1926 classic, also titled Moana – a cinematic treasure that's been waiting to be rediscovered!
Fast forward to the Roaring Twenties, when American filmmaker extraordinaire Robert Flaherty was fresh from his groundbreaking documentary success with Nanook of the North. With Samoa as his next destination, Flaherty had grand plans for a 'great sea monster story', but what he encountered on those sun-kissed shores was far more breathtaking – a tranquil island community that stole his heart and shifted his focus towards depicting everyday Samoan life through the lens of a young man named Moana and his loving family.
It wasn't an easy ride for Flaherty, though! He battled extreme temperatures, primitive equipment, and even established a makeshift film lab within a freshwater cave – only to stumble upon some accidental poisoning along the way. But from these trials came a cinematic pearl – a gentle portrayal of daily life in Samoa, showcasing Moana's community gathering taro roots and coconuts, that left audiences 'interested' rather than entertained. Despite initial box office records broken in New York, its wider release failed to set sail as expected.
Yet, this pioneering film secured its place in cinematic history through the mighty pen of critic John Grierson, who coined the term 'documentary' itself while assessing Moana's documentary value. This legacy has come with a price tag, though – ongoing controversies over staged scenes and idealised portrayals of traditional dress have sparked heated debates among critics and scholars alike. Dr Dionne Fonoti from the National University of Samoa sheds light on these criticisms, highlighting how many elements depicted were no longer common practice in 1920s Samoan society.
But here's the fascinating twist – despite these postcolonial critiques regarding its portrayal of an 'unspoiled' island community, Moana is largely seen as a valuable 'snapshot into the past' by contemporary Samoans. Dr Fonoti explains that most view it as a window to their ancestors' lives, warts and all! Film historian Bruce Posner defends Flaherty's vision, seeing him more as a 'film poet' than a strict documentarian – ahead of his time in the emerging world of documentary filmmaking.
So what does this mean for you? With Flaherty's Moana now digitally restored and available on platforms like MUBI in the UK, it's your chance to experience this cinematic masterpiece that laid the foundation for Disney's beloved animated blockbuster. Get ready to be transported to a bygone era – where the boundaries between reality and art blurred, but left behind a timeless treasure waiting to be rediscovered.