Whether it was Mulan in 2004 or Moana in 2016, Disney has never failed to bring forward thought-provoking characters and plots to its audience. It has grown over the years to talk about multiple important issues and themes and continues to do so with its recent releases. Disney introduces its first plus-size protagonist with the new Disney+ short film, Reflect. The short film revolves around “a ballet dancer [called Bianca] who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power”
Body positivity is a topic of immense prevalence in today’s society, and the media’s inaccurate representations of what a healthy body looks like have been affecting individuals negatively. With media and entertainment houses like Disney taking an important step to contribute to the important conversation, society is expected to be benefitted in the process.
Disney’s Short Circuit Series
The short film is a part of Disney’s Short Circuit series of experimental films. The set of experimental films will focus on the issues surrounding body image and the need to develop and protect one’s own self-esteem. Disney announced the news with the message, “Disney has released a new trailer for a brand new original short, “Reflect”, which is from the second season of “Short Circuit Experimental Films”.
An all-new Short Circuit Experimental Film has arrived! Stream “Reflect” and all the Short Circuit Experimental Films by Walt Disney Animation Studios artists now on @DisneyPlus. 🩰 🎆 pic.twitter.com/c0gw5U4ecc
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) September 14, 2022
The trailer shows Bianca at her ballet lesson looking into the mirror to see her reflection breaking apart. The significance of this imagery is easily understandable and makes clear what Disney’s intention is with its new release. Talking about issues revolving around body image is the need of the hour. TikTok users have made known their support for Disney’s new move, with comment sections flooding with positive reactions to the Reflect. One user explains, “i was always dreaming of a cartoon like this … 😭 ahhh”, while another expresses how relatable the character of Bianca is “I remember doing ballet from age 2 -15 ive always been a taller and ‘thicker’ girl and I remember feeling the exact same way”
The role of influencers in promoting body positivity
Social media influencers like Nabela Noor and Sakshi Sindwani are body positivity advocates that contribute to the conversation through their content. Sharing their stories through their platforms, these influencers positively impact their followers and emphasize the need to love one’s body as it is. The compulsion to engage a larger audience in this discussion is necessitated by the idealistic representations of bodies seen in the media over the years. Hence the role played by Disney and social media in subverting the same is exciting and commendable.
Disney’s efforts to venture into intense and complicated topics have been lauded by fans across the globe. As the platform’s fan base continues to grow, there is no better way to raise awareness on these issues than through Disney movies that will be cherished for life.
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