Disney's Moana Live Action Movie Premiere

In Partnership with Hālau Makana

Immersive Photo Activation

  • Experiential Designer & Creative Director

    • Experiential Design

    • Creative Direction

    • Environmental Design

    • Scenic Fabrication

    • Interactive Photo Experience

    • Event Graphics & Environmental Signage

    • Commemorative Digital Photo Frame Design

    • Social Media Engagement & Giveaway Campaign

    • Guest Experience Design

    • Creative Production & Installation

    • Designed an immersive, island-inspired guest experience for Disney's live-action Moana premiere at the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex.

    • Collaborated with Hālau Makana and the Alameda Theatre to celebrate Polynesian culture through experiential design.

    • Created a high-traffic interactive photo activation enjoyed by hundreds of guests before the film.

    • Designed a commemorative digital photo experience and PlayHaus-sponsored social media giveaway that extended guest engagement beyond premiere night.

    • Contributed to an event later recognized by the Alameda Post as a celebration of Polynesian culture, community, and legacy.

  • https://alamedapost.com/features/arts/halau-makana-director-featured-in-disneys-live-action-moana/

    • Partnered with Hālau Makana and the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex to create an immersive guest experience for Disney's live-action Moana premiere.

    • Designed and fabricated an island-inspired photo environment featuring custom scenic elements, tropical styling, and a commemorative digital photo frame.

    • Created an interactive photo activation and PlayHaus-sponsored social media giveaway to extend guest engagement beyond premiere night.

    • Contributed to an event later featured in the Alameda Post for celebrating Polynesian culture, community, and legacy.

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Project Overview

To celebrate Disney's live-action Moana premiere, PlayHaus Design Co. partnered with Hālau Makana and the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex to create an immersive, island-inspired photo experience welcoming families before the film, a live hula performance, and an exclusive cast Q&A featuring Alameda native Jade Makana Iulio, Director of Hālau Makana and 1 of 23 principal hula dancers cast in the film.

Inspired by the warmth, adventure, and spirit of the Pacific Islands, the experience featured custom scenic fabrication, tropical florals, handcrafted market details, environmental graphics, and interactive photo opportunities centered around a custom-designed commemorative digital photo frame. Every element was intentionally designed to encourage connection, celebration, and lasting memories while honoring both the spirit of the film and Hālau Makana's mission to share Hawaiian culture through community.

To extend the experience beyond premiere night, PlayHaus developed a social media engagement campaign featuring a curated, PlayHaus-sponsored giveaway that encouraged guests to share their experience and continue celebrating with Hālau Makana after the event.

From creative direction and environmental design to fabrication, installation, and guest engagement, every touchpoint was thoughtfully designed to create an immersive experience that celebrated culture, fostered community, and left families with memories to carry home.