Pixar releases 'Wind' and 'Float' short films to fight anti-Asian violence

Pixar Animation Studios has released two SparkShorts films created by Asian filmmakers on its official YouTube channel. It is the first time that both films, titled “Wind” and “Float”, are available to watch – for free – outside of Disney+.

The releases come in response to growing reports of hate crimes against Asian communities across the U.S., spurred on by racist remarks made by government representatives loyal to the ex-president. In making these films available to all audiences, Pixar hopes to take a stance against anti-Asian crime by reaffirming its commitment to promoting diversity with its work. The company issued the following statement with the films’ releases:

Originally released in late 2019, both short films tell deeply personal stories that are 100% tearjerkers.

The nine-minute long “Wind” has already amassed over a million views. It centres around a Korean grandmother and grandson who live on giant rocks. They are trapped in an endless hole and work together to find a way of the endless chasm. The poignant story is a clear metaphor for immigration, and has been dubbed “a tribute to immigrant sacrifices.” Writer and director Edwin Chang has said that the two characters represent his grandmother and his father.

“Float” tells the story of a Filipino father who becomes paranoid and anxious as he tries to conceal his son’s ability to fly. The seven-minute film was taken from Filipino-American animator Bobby Rubio’s own experience with his son’s autism diagnosis. The short has nearly 4 million views on YouTube, as many parents have identified with the portrayal of parenting children with special needs. 

Watch the films here and don’t forget to have a box of tissue handy.

Learn more at disneyplus.com/hk