By: Andreina Longoria “Así es la Nota”
Elena of Avalor, Coco, Encanto and Wish, cause a positive impact in the Hispanic world due to their race, culture, language and customs.
For those of us who have grown up on the border, we have always lived with Disney characters and movies, no matter their race, language or culture, however, since Disney Animation created ‘Elena of Avalor’, ‘Coco’, ‘Encanto’ and ‘Wish’, we Latin Americans feel part of Walt Disney’s world.
‘Coco’, in 2017, broke the box office record in Mexico, becoming the highest-grossing film in its history. Disney Pixar, the main producers of animated films in the world, decided to bet on Mexican culture to bring it to the big screen. The feature film is about colorful and traditional Mexican culture through the eyes of a child, Miguel. The film is inspired by the Day of the Dead celebration and is a love poem to Mexico. The Pixar team revealed that they traveled to the country repeatedly to capture the colors, celebrations and traditions that are part of Mexican culture. In this film Gael García Bernal, Angélica María, Angelica Vale and César Costa among others lend their voices.
Prior to this film success, in 2016 ‘Elena of Avalor’ was released, considered the first princess of Latin origin within the production company, for a television series. It tells the story of an adventurous and brave teenager who saves her reign from a diabolical witch. The influence of various Latin cultures can be seen in the architecture, traditions, foods and customs. Aimee Carrero, of Dominican origin, voices Princess Elena, and Guatemalan Gaby Moreno performs the original song of the series.
In 2021 ‘Encanto’ arrived, which introduced the Madrigal family, in which its members have an incredible ability with which they help make life in the town better. Mirabel, who coincidentally is the one who discovers that her family’s powers are in danger. From there emerges a dynamic adventure that has everything. It is a film that visually and musically says it all, due to its color that strives to highlight its own universe. ‘Encanto’ is inspired by family and life expectations, located in Colombia, a delight for the senses.
With ‘Wish’, Disney continues with the magic, and precisely in 2023 it shows a story from its Disney Animation brand. This project comes out as a celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary.
The film follows 17-year-old Asha, voiced by Ariana DeBose, and focuses on the legend of the wishing Star. Asha makes a passionate plea to heaven, answered by a ball of energy named Star. The two work together to defeat one of the most formidable enemies in the original Disney story. It premiered on November 23, 2023. The voices of María León, José Eduardo Derbez, and Lucero Mijares also participated in this movie.
Now, Latin America takes over the magic of Walt Disney, feeling identified with wonderful characters that bring them closer to their culture, language and traditions.
This article is featured in our Winter 2023 printed magazine
