Auditions To Commence For The Maori Language Version Of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Iconic Film The Lion King

by Scoop Media

Matewa Media are thrilled to announce that the first round of open auditions for The Lion King Reo Māori are open.

Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley (Merata, Jo Jo Rabbit) and Tweedie Waititi (Moana Reo Māori, Rūrangi) of Matewa Media are also proud to share that different mita (dialects) will be celebrated through each beloved character:

• Lions – Tainui
• Timon, Pumbaa – Te Tai Tokerau
• Rafiki – Tūhoe
• Zazu – Taranaki
• Hyenas – Ngāti Kahungunu
• Chorus – open to te motu whānui

Translations have been completed by Te Reo Māori experts in each rohe (regions).

“You don’t have to be from any particular rohe to audition, just like Moana Reo Māori we encourage everyone to have a go, Karawhiua!” said Winstanley “But, you will be expected to pull it off nō reira kia kaha rā! Ko te mea nui ka ngākau nui koe ki te reo Māori” emphasised Waititi.

For the online first round auditions, each character will have a different audition piece, and some will require you to also sing in Te Reo Māori. Waititi and Winstanley have advised that all levels of Reo Māori fluency are welcome.

The Lion King Reo Māori is set to premiere in New Zealand and Australia in June 2022 to align with Matariki (Māori New Year).

Read the original article here