Disney has released their first trailer for Launchpad. Setting aside the joke that the title shares its name with Launchpad McQuack from “Ducktales,” “Launchpad” is actually a collection of live-action short films from a new generation of dynamic storytellers. What makes this so unique is that The filmmakers, all from underrepresented backgrounds, were selected from more than 1100 U.S. applicants and were given an opportunity to share their perspectives and creative visions with audiences worldwide. Each filmmaker was assigned executive mentors from the company’s various divisions, including Disney+, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production.
The goal of “Launchpad” is to diversify the types of stories told and give access to those who have historically not had it. Inspired by life’s journey, these first six short films for Disney+ are based on the theme, “Discover.” The second series will revolve around the theme of “connection.” For those who are interested in submitting their work, head over to https://launchpad.disney.com/
Here is the list of films, their directors, and plot synopsis:
“AMERICAN EID,” Written and Directed by Aqsa Altaf.
Producers are Leslie Owen and Steak House; Executive Producers are Julie Ann Crommett, Mahin Ibrahim, Alyssa Navarro, Chris Caraballo, Jason Alvidrez, Adam Nusinow, Mary Coleman, Nicole Grindle, and Vanessa Morrison.
Ameena, a Pakistani Muslim 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.
Producers are Shincy Lu and Steak House; Executive Producers are Julie Ann Crommett, Mahin Ibrahim, Alyssa Navarro, Chris Caraballo, Jason Alvidrez, Adam Nusinow, Jessica Virtue, and Rachel Yeung.
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.
Producers are Genevieve Faye, Melody Sandoval, and Steak House; Executive Producers are Julie Ann Crommett, Mahin Ibrahim, Alyssa Navarro, Chris Caraballo, Jason Alvidrez, Adam Nusinow, Osnat Shurer, and Halima Hudson.
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.
“THE LAST OF THE CHUPACABRAS,” Written and Directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros.
Producers are Nicole Crespo and Steak House; Executive Producers are Julie Ann Crommett, Mahin Ibrahim, Alyssa Navarro, Chris Caraballo, Jason Alvidrez and Adam Nusinow.
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.
“LET’S BE TIGERS,” Written and Directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz.
Producers are Sydney Fleischmann and Steak House; Executive Producers are Julie Ann Crommett, Mahin Ibrahim, Alyssa Navarro, Chris Caraballo, Jason Alvidrez, Adam Nusinow and Grant Curtis.
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 LITTLE PRINCE(SS),” Written and Directed by Moxie Peng.
Producers are Carver Diserens and Steak House; Executive Producers are Julie Ann Crommett, Mahin Ibrahim, Alyssa Navarro, Chris Caraballo, Jason Alvidrez, Adam Nusinow, Sarah Shepard and Karen Chau.
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.
I’m glad to see that there is too see so much diversity on the surface of these shorts. Seeing all the different genders and skin tones in these shorts will allow audiences to connect to the characters and their stories. But it’s also how these stories are universal that will connect with broader audiences on a deeper level.
Season 1 of “Launchpad” premieres on May 28, 2021
