Moana 2, has grossed over US$960.5 million at the box office, worldwide. Photo: Walt Disney Studio
Although Dana Ledoux Miller was born in Los Angeles, her father's Samoan identity is very important to her.
Miller is one of the directors of the smash hit sequel to 2016's Moana, which is currently in cinemas. The film, Moana 2, has grossed over US$960.5 million at the box office, worldwide.
Dana Ledoux Miller, one of the directors of Moana 2 Photo: Alex Weed
"We had an oceanic cultural trust who guided us on Tatau, from navigation to plants to canoe building. We were so fortunate. It was not a matter of us just bringing in people to say, 'Yeah', that looks culturally accurate. No, we were going to listen to them and now have our movie out and have our people look at it and say, 'I've seen myself, or I've never seen myself that way.'"
She cherishes her memories of growing up in Tutuila, American Samoa, particularly recalling her favorite spot, Two Dollar Beach. "I don't think it costs two dollars anymore, but the memories are priceless."
Miller said that although the film is about Pacific people it is still "made for everyone."
The movie follows Moana's continuing voyages, no longer just a naïve girl but a gifted Wayfinder and navigator.
In Moana 2 she must navigate a way forward for her people. Moana also faces greater obstacles in the sequel, in the form of an angry storm god. Miller says that this required complex animation sequences, involving tornadoes, and was very challenging.
Miller expressed great fondness for Moana, as a character, and an opportunity to represent Pacific people and their culture on the big screen.
"This story in Moana 2 means a lot to me because, I'm talking about representation, it has become a driving force in my life to want to improve the representation of our people and make it possible for more of us to have opportunities to do this job."
"I love the idea that Moana is striving to give her people the whole ocean in this film, I would love to expand the ocean here in entertainment for our people, and anything that possible feels like I'm on the right path."
Miller also has advice for those wanting to break into the film industry.
"For people who are trying to make it in the film industry, I think there is this natural instinct to not want to take up too much space. We're taught to be humble, but no one will make space for you unless you are willing to make space for yourself.
Finding that balance of being willing to put yourself out there doesn't mean your giving up that part of yourself, you can still have humility."
