Directed by Pete Sohn, Pixar’s latest feature film Elemental is a story about how different elements such as fire, water, air and land need to live together, but don’t necessarily get along.
Sohn has previously stated the story is inspired by his immigrant parents who came to New York from Korea. The parallels are easy to see in the 20 minutes of the movie screened at CinemaCon Wednesday, reports The Wrap.
According to Inside the Magic, different elements have a hard time living together. If water sneezed on land, they would produce flowers and the consequences would be severe if water touched fire.
The movie tackles themes of racism and xenophobia directly.
The film features Filipino American animator and voice actor Ronnie del Carmen as Bernie, Leah Lewis as Ember, Mamoudou Athie as Wade, Shila Ommi as Cinder, and Catherine O’Hara as Brook.
The film takes place in Emerald City where Ember’s parents moved to after being rejected from living elsewhere. Her parents arrived by ship, meant to represent those who migrated and were processed by immigration authorities at Ellis Island.
They open a shop called The Fireplace and must do all that they can to avoid water elements.
The movie opens in theaters June 16.
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