UH Mānoa Alumna Contributes Expertise to Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is proud to recognize Emiko Saraswati Susilo, an alumna of UH Mānoa’s Asian studies program, for her pivotal role as a cultural consultant for Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. The 2021 Southeast Asian-inspired animated film, nominated for an Academy Award, benefited from Susilo’s deep knowledge of Southeast Asian culture, dance, and music.

As a masterful musician and dancer, Susilo advised Disney animators on important cultural elements, including character expressions and traditional clothing, while ensuring the film respectfully represented the region’s diverse traditions. She also led a pre-production trip to Bali for the film’s producers to experience sacred sites and ceremonies.

In a virtual talk sponsored by CSEAS and the Academy for Creative Media, Susilo shared insights about her work on the film and how her commitment to her culture and heritage guided her throughout the project.

For more details, please visit the full article on UH News: Disney movie Raya benefited from Asian studies alumna’s expertise

We celebrate Susilo’s contributions to the arts and her continued connection to the UH Mānoa community.