Combining Passion and Purpose

Auli’i Cravalho, known for her role in Disney’s “Moana,” is leveraging her platform as an actress and Broadway singer to advocate for critical environmental issues. At the premiere of her documentary “Reef Builders” during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, she expressed her commitment to making a positive impact, particularly regarding coral reef restoration.

“Truthfully, not everyone is able to make an impact. That’s a fact,” Cravalho shared in an interview with Variety’s Clayton Davis. “The fact that I am in this position and get to combine my joy for filmmaking with my passion of advocacy, specifically for my home country and my home state, it was a no-brainer for this project.”

Documentary Focus: The Sheba Hope Grows Program

“Reef Builders” portrays the challenges and triumphs of individuals working with the Sheba Hope Grows initiative to combat the destructive effects of climate change on coral reefs. This project is supported by the SHEBA brand, with Cravalho contributing as an associate producer.

During the premiere event, the audience learned from Dr. Daniel DeMartini of Kuleana Coral Restoration about the innovative technology developed by SHEBA and Mars Sustainable Solutions that is facilitating these restoration efforts.

Real-Life Impact on Communities

Dr. DeMartini emphasized the complexity of managing marine restoration projects, stating, “We’re working in this high wave energy environment where we have complicated and complex governmental structures and just all those setbacks that we felt. I do really appreciate the film showing that reality — not just for Hawaii, but for Kenya and everywhere else. The tool is powerful.”

Stephen Shearman, the director and producer of the documentary, initially found the project daunting. However, his experience in Bontosua, a small island community, helped him understand the profound implications of coral reef loss on local inhabitants. “When you look someone in the face, you can read their story,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of his subject matter.

The Importance of Coral Reefs

The conversation at the premiere extended beyond personal narratives. Professor David Smith, senior director of Mars Sustainable Solutions, addressed the critical role of coral reefs in sustaining life on Earth. “Your life, the air that you breathe depends on the ocean, and that ocean depends on coral reefs … It’s your responsibility to do something as well,” he urged attendees.

A Message of Hope

Reflecting on her generation’s environmental challenges, Cravalho expressed concern, stating, “As a young person, I feel like I’m inheriting a world that is on fire. And it is, it really is. But what I love about this documentary is that it shows that there still is hope … It would be for naught, actually, if not for community and local indigenous people.”