On the screen, a collection of different photos appear. Some are definitely older than others, but one trait connects them all. They are all Pixar employees who are first and second-generation immigrants and were a vital part of understanding the nuanced story that director Peter Sohn set forward to tell in the upcoming Pixar film “Elemental.”
The trailer, released earlier this week — unveils a magical world filled with beings made of four elements, fire, water, earth and air. The main character, Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), is a fiery (pun intended) young flame who must adventure outside of the fire enclave of Elemental City to save her family’s store from an uncertain future. In her journey, she meets the emotional water element Wade (Mamoudou Athie) and several other elements who help expand her own horizons.
The story of an immigrant family trying to make their way in the world is something near and dear to Sohn’s heart — he explained on the press day at Pixar Campus on Tuesday, March 28th. His father was an immigrant shop owner who took it upon himself to work hard enough to ensure Sohn could live a good life. “I wanted to tell a story for everyone who made a sacrifice,” he explains. Still, he adds that not only did he use his childhood upbringing as a Korean immigrant in the Bronx, but also his relationship with his non-Korean wife.
After hearing Sohn speak, he cleared the floor for producer Denise Ream to talk about her own family history. She detailed how the creative teams behind “Elemental” took the time to discuss with her co-workers at Pixar about their experiences as first and second-generation immigrants. Ream also went into detail about their casting…
Read the full article here
