Johannesburg hosted the Official South African Special Screening of Disney’s Moana at Nu Metro Cinemas, Clearwater Mall last week.

I was invited, along with other media, stakeholders, creators, influencers, celebrities and Disney fans, who gathered to celebrate the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of one of Disney’s most beloved animated adventures. The event was proudly powered by Visa.

More than 600 guests and their families were welcomed to an evening celebrating adventure, discovery and courage as they gathered ahead of the film’s nationwide release. Guests enjoyed immersive photo opportunities, content creation moments and pre-screening entertainment before being among the first South Africans to experience the highly anticipated live-action adaptation.

I especially enjoyed watching the people in Moana cosplay outfits.

Reflecting the film’s universal themes of family, connection and self-discovery, many of South Africa’s leading celebrities and influencers attended with their loved ones, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere throughout the evening. Among those in attendance were Simphiwe Ngema, Sedii Matsunyane-Ferguson, Jessica Hatton, Lehumo Molobela, Richy Adams, Bianca Carmichael, Naledi Legoabe and 
Kaylin Hendricks, alongside their families and many more, helping to amplify excitement around one of Disney’s biggest family films of the year.



In Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana, played by Catherine Lagaʻaia, answers the Ocean’s call and embarks on an unforgettable voyage beyond the shores of Motunui alongside the legendary demigod Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson. Together, they set out on a daring journey to restore prosperity to Moana’s people in an epic adventure filled with breathtaking visuals, beloved songs and inspiring new storytelling.


Directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail, Moana is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, with an original score composed by Mancina.



Moana opened in cinemas across South Africa from 9 July.

#MoanaZA