An Introduction To Disney+’s Launchpad

Filmmaking is an art that so many people around the world are passionate about. Each of them has a wide range of stories that they want to share on-screen. But only a select few get to share their visions with the world on a large platform. But for six lucky and hard-working filmmakers, that all changes starting this Friday exclusively on Disney+ with Disney’s Launchpad.

What is Launchpad? It’s a collection of live-action shorts that come from a new generation of dynamic storytellers. Out of over one thousand applicants from all over the United States, six filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds were selected. These were then provided the opportunity to share their perspectives and visions. The goal for Launchpad is to diversify the kind stories that are being told and to make them accessible.

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Worries about the quality and experience of these filmmakers? Worry not! Each of these filmmakers was paired up with executive mentors from various studios in the wide world of Disney. Including Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney+. Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, and Pixar. Imagine all the experiences between those mentors!

Launchpad

Here are the films that will be featured in the first season of Disney’s Launchpad

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.

(Center, l-r): Jenna Qureshi as Zainab and Shanessa Khawaja as Ameena in Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” Season One short, “AMERICAN EID,” Written and Directed by Aqsa Altaf. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dinner Is Served directed by 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. 

Scene from Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” Season One short, “DINNER IS SERVED,” Directed by Hao Zheng, Written by G. Wilson & Hao Zheng.  Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 3 when her human best friend shows up at her monster-infested school, she has to confront her truth, her identity, and herself.

(L-R): Olivia Sullivent as Dora, Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Val Garcia and Gilberto Ortiz as Jimmy in Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” Season One short, “GROWING FANGS,” Written and Directed by Ann Marie Pace. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Let’s Be Tigers written and directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz

Grieving for her mother, Avalon finds comfort when she’s put in charge of a 4-year-old for a night. SYNOPSIS: 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.

(L-R): Dash Mccloud as Noah and Otmara Marrero as Avalon in Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” Season One short, “LET’S BE TIGERS,” Written and Directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Melba Martinez as Chepa in Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” Season One short, “THE LAST OF THE CHUPACABRAS,” Written and Directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Kalo Moss as Gabriel in Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” Season One short, “THE LITTLE PRINCE(SS),” Written and Directed by Moxie Peng. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

I have had the privilege already of seeing all these films and I can say that they are wonderful. Each of the filmmakers put their heart and soul into these projects. Adding in their own spin on a variety of stories all that fit into this season’s theme of discovery. Be sure to check in regularly as we will be featuring interviews with most of the directors of these shorts in exclusive interviews!

Do you think you have what it takes to be one of the next filmmakers for Disney’s Launchpad? Submissions for the second season based on the theme of connection will be accepted through June 11th, 2021. https://launchpad.disney.com/

Disney’s Launchpad kicks off exclusively on Disney+ on Friday, May 28th.

 

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