Moana (2016): Negotiating Patriarchy from the Ecofeminist Perspective

Abstract

              The animation Moana (2016) is a very interesting story to explore because its protagonist is different from those in other Disney animations. It is  apparent that there are many ecological messages that suggest a new concept and ideology of women and nature. This study aims to interpret the connection between women and nature through the film by analyzing its narration, signs, and film language through the ecofeminist perspective. The study found that the animation has many elements that indicate connections between women and nature, which conform to the idea of cultural ecofeminism by glorifying women’s power with the connotative meaning of signs. Furthermore, the animation is permeated with signs of negating the patriarchal system. In summary, the animation suggests new meanings for gender and nature in three distinctive ways: 1) men are not always exclusive, 2) women are close to nature and independent, and 3) nature should be worshiped and protected.