Later this month, Disney will debut the first season of Launchpad, a collection of short films that tell diverse stories.
Check out the latest featurette to get a glimpse behind the making of these films:
The six live-action short films come from filmmakers of underrepresented backgrounds. The ultimate goal of Launchpad is to diversify the types of stories being told and to provide access to those who have historically not had it.
You can read more about each of the individual films below. Launchpad arrives on Disney+ May 28.
Launchpad Season 1 Short Films
“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. 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.
“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.
“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 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.
So, which of these new Launchpad short films are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Disney+