Anika Noni Rose, 'A different type of Princess' (Monday Night Conversation)

Ms. Brooke Christopher sits down with Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana in Disney's The Princess and the Frog to talk about the significance of this movie in particular as Tiana becomes the newest addition to the Disney family of Princesses.

TIANA (voice of Anika Noni Rose) is certainly not the typical fairy-tale princess. Her daydreams are not of faraway kingdoms or castles in the clouds, but of personal success and a thriving business. She has dreams of opening the finest restaurant in all of New Orleans, says screenwriter Rob Edwards. Its a dream thats been instilled in her from her father.
Tiana is an attractive and independent African-American woman, hardworking and strong-willed, but still a loving and loyal friend and a compassionate soul. She treasures her mother and holds her father near and dear to her heart, and although she knows the way wont be easy, believes that she can achieve her ambitions if she works hard enough.
In her sensible pursuit of her lifes goals, however, Tiana doesnt really appreciate what is happening on her way to them. She can never simply slow down and enjoy herself. She has no time for romance, and is certainly not about to waste her time mooning over men—let alone kissing any frogs.
Supervising animator Mark Henn, who is behind Disney heroines Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Belle (Beauty and the Beast) and Jasmine (Aladdin), found Tiana particularly appealing. I think you can more easily identify with her, or want to cheer her on. Our animated leading ladies have evolved over the decades, from just being princesses in peril like Snow White—characters to whom events happen, rather than figures of action motivating their own story. It was an easy character to fall in love with and get in her corner. Tiana has her own motivating desire, and decisions that drive her and make her interesting and sympathetic.
Edwards says his niece cant wait to meet Tiana. Every time I talk to her, she says, Oh, tell me about the princess! I cant wait for her to see the movie.

A BlackTree Media Production

Produced by Jamaal Finkley

Clips provided courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

The host of Monday Night Conversation Brooke Christopher

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[TheMzlady92]

@KrisinIndy i can agree with you because i have a little sister who for years wished she can be white because she thought princesses could only be white. i on the other hand im just glad to see the movie and think it's ridiculous that african americans are upset because she has to kiss a frog. they should just be happy that the black community is finally being represented in such away that will be greatly remembered.

[finalhearts824]

@TheMzlady92 pocahontas was a native american and she was a princess of her tribe.

[TheSeasons14]

@JustAPrayer AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!

[JustAPrayer]

Seriously, Anika needs more singing roles, she's got a beautiful beautiful voice.

[Dork8D]

@TheMzlady92 I agree, because technically Prince Eric had to kiss a fish, Cinderella had to live in a horrible household, Pocahontas was a Native American who had racism towards her and things, etc.

In all honesty in order for it to be a Disney movie it can't just go smoothly, it has to have a twist in order to make it interesting.

So the fact that her family loves her, she has a "goal" in life (The restaurant), and she is all around happy, I think the frog is a good way of canceling it out.

[drvenkman1981]

This looks like a beautiful movie. I should rent it sometime. : O) Also, one last comment. someone commented about another Disney Princess (Jasmine.) They read she's "Black and Asian." I read her "nationality" is suppose to be Arabian (Middle Eastern.) I wouldn't know what that means as far as "race" though. In America, they usually check either the "White" or "Other" box when filling out cencus forms... from what I've read anyway.

[MusicnLyrics121]

Seriously, it takes these people till 2010 to make a black princess? People talk about slavery is in the past, when we still have the kkk and this shit going on. I'm glad they made a black princess, but it's upsetting that they took that long. smh...

[imarory]

Second favorite princess only because Ariel will always have a special place in my heart, but I love the fact that she is so hard working, she doesn't take crap from anyone, and in the end, she's the one who does the saving.

[YourFortunateDemise]

@GaddafiIsAGreatMan did you REALLY feel the need to post that comment, was that comment SO FREAKIN IMPORTANT it had to be posted?

[Mistrelia]

@GaddafiIsAGreatMan Fuck you