18 AAPI TV/Movie Characters Who Made People Feel Seen

“As a Polynesian woman, Moana was a game changer for me. Seeing a Disney princess inspired by my culture made me so proud! I loved the little details that accurately represented my heritage like the tattoos, clothing, mythology, and music. Unfortunately, before Moana, many people I spoke to had never heard of the Pacific Islands (except Hawai’i). After the movie came out, I had a reference that everyone knew and understood. Being seen is so important!”

—Anonymous

“For context, I am half Filipino whose family comes from Hawai’i. We do have Native Hawaiians in our family, just not in my direct line of blood. I grew up pretty immersed in local Hawaiian culture, a bit more than my Filipino culture. I danced hula as a child and consumed a lot of Hawaiian content, so when I saw Moana with my mom, we both cried because it meant a lot to see Polynesian culture on the big screen. It reminded us of our second home, Hawai’i. I had long, dark, wavy hair just like Moana, and even though she is not the same blood as me, I still felt represented in some way by Moana.”

—Anonymous