Reef Builders premiered at SXSW 2025, with Auliʻi Cravalho spotlighting global coral restoration and its cultural importance.
American actress 
Auliʻi Cravalho is no stranger to environmental conservation efforts like coral reef protection and restoration, and her latest documentary, Reef Builders, which premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest Film Festival, is proof of that.
Reef Builders highlights the efforts of over 200 individuals involved in the Sheba Hope Grows program, one of the world’s largest coral reef restoration initiatives. Directed by Stephen Shearman, Reef Builders shows coral restoration projects in places like Indonesia, Kenya, Australia, and Cravalho’s native Hawaii.
In addition to her role in Reef Builders, Auliʻi Cravalho has teamed up with the SHEBA brand on coral restoration projects in Hawaii. Discussing how important that is for her, Cravalho told Deeper Blue:
"As a proud Native Hawaiian, I care deeply about our oceans as coral is a foundational species, both culturally and scientifically."
“Working with the SHEBA brand on this restoration program and being part of this documentary has allowed me to partner with the scientists, local fishermen, and divers of Hawai’i to give back to my community and help implement a groundbreaking, man-made solution to a man-made problem.”
Cravalho is also working on the film as an associate producer, while simultaneously serving as an executive producer for the upcoming live-action Moana, starring Catherine Lagaʻaia, 
Dwayne Johnson, 
John Tui, 
Frankie Adams, and 
Rena Owen. Recently, she also made her Broadway debut playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret.
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