The goal of Disney’s “LAUNCHPAD” is to diversify the types of stories that are being told and to 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.” All six short films will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning May 28.
https://dmedmedia.disney.com/news/disney-plus-new-launchpad-featurette-season-one
As diversity becomes more of a staple rather than a trend in Hollywood, Disney is stepping up to the plate to amplify underrepresented voices with the inaugural Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator program. One of the filmmakers is our very own, Aqsa Altaf (pictured: middle, top row).
Addressing the realities of burnout, the ad is ‘for moms by moms’. The ad shows a wide range of relatable experiences for moms, from pregnancy and juggling several young children to breastfeeding in public and multitasking while perched on the toilet.
Fifteen years in the making, UT alumna Diane Paragas’ Austin-set Yellow Rose is a refreshing and strikingly original coming-of-age drama interwoven with an undocumented mother and daughter’s perseverance amid the threat of deportation.
https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2019-10-30/austin-film-festival-review-yellow-rose/
The Texas-raised director’s debut feature, recently acquired by Sony Pictures, tells the story of a Filipino teen chasing her dreams amidst the US immigration crisis.
EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) has acquired all worldwide rights, excluding the Philippines, to the musical drama Yellow Rose directed by Diane Paragas.
Two high school nobodies desperately searching for the biggest fight of the year… If only they could find it
https://filmshortage.com/shorts/luisa-and-annas-first-fight/
Two high school nobodies embark on a desperate search for the biggest fight of the year in this delightful short by Los Angeles-based writer-director Lena Tsodykovskaya.
https://tv.booooooom.com/2019/10/02/luisa-and-annas-first-fight-lena-tsodykovskaya/
Life, we’re told, is about the stories you have to tell and what’s a more exciting yarn than the story of an epic rumble, or at least that’s the thinking of the thick as thieves pair at the centre of Lena Tsodykovskaya’s Luisa and Anna’s First Fight.
https://directorsnotes.com/2019/10/21/lena-tsodykovskaya-luisa-and-annas-first-fight/
Deep down, we’re all longing for a time when life was less serious—when days were defined by their lack of definition. Hanging with friends. Doing dumb sh-it.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2019/09/30/luisa-and-annas-first-fight/
EXCLUSIVE: Now in its 31st year, the American Pavilion is moving with the times and bringing inclusion and representation to the forefront with its showcase of films by emerging filmmakers. This year, 29 films will make their debut on the Croisette.
American Pavilion To Celebrate Diversity At Cannes With Emerging Filmmaker Showcase
In partnership with The American Pavilion, IndieWire and San Antonio Winery, KCET celebrated the work of regional student filmmakers on Sept. 19 at the 19th annual FINE CUT Festival of Films at the Directors Guild of America. Four winning short films were announced and screened from the sixteen selected as finalists by an industry judging panel.
TheWrap is pleased to announce the 12 finalists in the seventh annual ShortList Film Festival, launching today online.
