Disney+'s Launchpad is a collection of live-action short films created by a new generation of dynamic storytellers. All six of them arrived on the streaming service yesterday, May 28, and are based on the theme "Discover."
The aim of the shorts is to diversify the types of stories that are being told and to give access to those who have historically not had it, and having had the opportunity to watch all of them prior to the global press conference, we can assure you that they're well worth checking out.
Mahin Ibrahim, Disney's Director of Diversity and Inclusion, was among those present at the event, and she licked things off by delving into what she's most proud about seeing from the six filmmakers (Aqsa Altaf, Hao Zheng, Ann Marie Pace, Jessica Mendez Siqueiros, Stefanie Abel Horowitz, and Moxie Peng).
"I think we cannot say this enough. We're proud of our amazing filmmakers. They themselves have said that from day one that they are not just filmmakers but a filmmaker family," Mahin said. "You can see that bond, that connection, even across Zoom, you can feel that collective heartbeat across all of them and so they have brought that to their films, as well as the spirit behind the collaboration on set. I love what one of our mentors Nicole Grindle from Pixar shared that, 'What you see on screen is emblematic of what happened off-screen and the culture of inclusivity and collaboration that they fostered behind the scenes.' I'm very grateful to work with these amazing filmmakers."
Phillip Domfeh, Launchpad's Sr. Manager, also shared his thoughts on what it was about these filmmakers that really encapsulates the theme of "Discover" running through each short.
"I think these filmmakers made amazing work. Honestly, it's been an honor to be able to support them and to be on this journey with them," he explained. "I think when you watch this collection of films, there's so much beauty and life affirmation. Not to the expense of telling the truth exploring tough themes being true and honest and recognizing your pain on moments where you haven't felt like you belonged or understood. The way that they just so nimbly navigated all of that as storytellers is just something that I hope will lead to discoveries for our audience members."
Check out a trailer and details on each short film below:
AMERICAN EID, Written and Directed by Aqsa Altaf - Ameena, a Muslim Pakistani immigrant, wakes up on Eid to find out that she has to go to school. Homesick and heartbroken, she goes on a mission to make Eid a public-school holiday, and in the process, reconnects with her older sister, and embraces her new home, while her new home embraces her.
DINNER IS SERVED, Directed by Hao Zheng, Written by G. Wilson & Hao Zheng - A Chinese student at an elite U.S. boarding school realizes excellence is not enough when he tries out for a leadership position no international student has ever applied for.
GROWING FANGS, Written and Directed by Ann Marie Pace - Val Garcia, a Mexican-American teen who is half human/half vampire, has had to keep her identity a secret from both worlds. But when her human best friend shows up at her monster-infested school, she has to confront her truth, her identity, and herself.
LET’S BE TIGERS, Written and Directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz - Avalon’s not ready to process the loss of her mother, but when she’s put in charge of a 4-year-old for one night, she finds more comfort than she ever could have expected.
THE LAST OF THE CHUPACABRAS, Written and Directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros. - In a world where culture has nearly ceased to exist, one lone Mexican-American struggling to carry on her traditions unknowingly summons a dark and ancient creature to protect her.
THE LITTLE PRINCE(SS), Written and Directed by Moxie Peng - When Gabriel, a 7-year-old Chinese kid who loves ballet, becomes friends with Rob, another Chinese kid from school, Rob’s dad gets suspicious about Gabriel's feminine behavior and decides to intervene.