Robert J. Flaherty's 'Moana' (1926) Recognized as First Documentary Film
The 1926 film 'Moana', directed by Robert J. Flaherty, is recognized as the first documentary film. Shot in Samoa over 18 months, it depicts traditional Samoan life, though Flaherty staged sequences and cast locals based on appearance. The term 'documentary' was coined by critic John Grierson in a review for the New York Sun. Despite being a commercial flop, the film is cherished in modern Samoa. Flaherty had previously made 'Nanook of the North' (1922). The upcoming Disney live-action remake of 'Moana' (2026) starring Dwayne Johnson faces weak box office projections.
Key facts
- Robert J. Flaherty directed 'Moana' in 1926.
- 'Moana' is considered the first documentary film.
- The term 'documentary' was coined by John Grierson in the New York Sun.
- Flaherty filmed in Samoa for 18 months.
- He staged sequences and cast locals based on appearance.
- 'Moana' was a commercial flop compared to 'Nanook of the North'.
- Disney's live-action remake of 'Moana' is set for release in 2026.
- The remake stars Dwayne Johnson and faces weak box office projections.
Entities
Artists
- Robert J. Flaherty
- Dwayne Johnson
- Bruce Posner
- John Grierson
- Lewis Hine
- Matthew Brady
- Dorothea Lange
- Walker Evans
Institutions
- The Guardian
- New York Sun
- Netflix
- Disney
- Farm Security Administration
- PetaPixel
Locations
- Samoa
- Pacific island of Samoa
- northern Canada
- United States