Amaya Masoli made her big-screen debut as young Moana, and the young actress says her Samoan culture is an important part of who she is.
The Bay Area-born actress, who stars in Disney’s live-action remake of Moana, spoke about how important her heritage is and how it shaped her journey into acting.
“My culture is very important to me because it’s a very huge part of who I am,” Amaya said.
Amaya said she spent part of her early childhood in American Samoa with her great-grandmother, where she learned more about her Samoan identity.
She later explained about her culture in the Bay Area through community gatherings, dance performances, and a Samoan summer camp where she learned more about her heritage.
