The Queen of Katwe Red Carpet Premiere #QueenOfKatwe

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Erin

The Queen of Katwe Red Carpet Premiere

By Erin

*I attended as a guest of Disney for purposes of this post.*

queen_of_katwe

It is always a real treat to be able to attend a red carpet premiere and Queen of Katwe was no exception. Disney has another heartwarming and inspirational film with their newest movie, that’ sure to be a hit. It is now playing in theaters everywhere, but I had the pleasure of walking down the red carpet for the Queen of Katwe premiere at the El Capitan the other week! So what was it like on the carpet for Queen of Katwe? Take a look! 🙂

queen-of-katwe-red-carpet-arrival

Waiting to check in and camera crews from different TV stations that were setting up and getting ready.
queen-of-katwe-red-carpet ME! On the red carpet. So exciting… even with a sprained ankle (even though it’s kind of cut off you can still tell my right ankle is way bigger than my left! And still a bit bruised up… but a huge improvement from what it was 3 weeks before this when I first sprained it. Watch out for curbs, they’re evil… :/
queen-of-katwe-disney Waiting for the cast to arrive for red carpet photos.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: (L-R) Chess Coach and Director of Sports Outreach in Uganda, Robert Katende, Ugandan national chess champion Phiona Mutesi, Director Mira Nair, actors Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo and Martin Kabanza arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disneys Queen of Katwe at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23, expanding wide September 30, 2016. On September 20, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Robert Katende; Phiona Mutesi; Mira Nair; Madina Nalwanga; Lupita Nyong'o; David Oyelowo; Martin Kabanza

Chess Coach and Director of Sports Outreach in Uganda, Robert Katende, Ugandan national chess champion Phiona Mutesi, Director Mira Nair, actors Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and Martin Kabanza arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disneys Queen of Katwe at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. *Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney *

David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o arrive at the U.S. premiere of DisneyÕs ÒQueen of KatweÓ at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita NyongÕo and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23, expanding wide September 30, 2016...(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disney’s Queen of Katwe at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA.*Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages*

HOLLYWOOD, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Actors Madina Nalwanga (L) and Martin Kabanza arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disneys Queen of Katwe at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23, expanding wide September 30, 2016. On September 20, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Madina Nalwanga; Martin Kabanza

Actors Madina Nalwanga and Martin Kabanza arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disney’s Queen of Katwe at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. *Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney*

queen-of-katwe-el-capitan

Then everyone entered the theater to watch the show! A little bit of background info about the film so you have some idea what it’s about if you didn’t already know. Life in Uganda for 9-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) is a constant struggle. Her days are spent selling vegetables on the streets of Katwe, one of the most poverty-stricken slums in Kampala, so school is not an option. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), a proud and strong-willed woman, works tirelessly to support her family, whom she loves and protects with a fierce compassion. Consumed by the daily grind, Harriet worries that she can never offer her children the promise of a better life. The cast of Queen of Katwe is amazing. Phiona is the real-life inspiration for the movie about a rising chess star from an impoverished city in Uganda. Her mentor, Robert Katende, played by David Oyelowo, teaches her about life, hope and chess, so she’s able to travel the world and better her life and the lives of others.

Meeting Moana #Moana

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Erin

Meeting Moana

By Erin

I attended an early press day as a guest of Disney for purposes of this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

MOANA village costume designs. Artist: Neysa Bové, Visual Development Artist.

The other month we learned all about the creative process of creating the characters for Moana. We met the members of the team who brought Disney’s adventurous heroine to life, from the initial sketches to costume design to animation – and how both research and the actress bringing Moana to life helped inspire the artists creating her character. Bill Schwab (Art Director, Characters), Amy Smeed (Head of Animation), Malcon Pierce (Animation Supervisor, Moana) and Neysa Bové (Vis Dev Artist) shared us the story of how Moana was brought to life. The magical characters were all inspired by the people they encountered during their travels to the islands of the Pacific, filmmakers populated their story with a host of dynamic characters. A top-notch voice cast helps bring the characters of Moana to life. I wanted to share a little bit about each of the characters you will meet on this special journey we get to experience with Moana.

MOANA village costume design. Artist: Neysa Bové, Visual Development Artist.

Walt Disney Animation Studios has another masterpiece in the making, Moana, a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Moana is a vibrant, tenacious and compassionate 16-year-old who is struggling to find her true self. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder.

Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. So come get ready to sail away on this magnificent journey and meet Moana, her family, friends, and other creatures she meets along the way.

MOANA

Moana is an adventurous, curious, tenacious and compassionate 16-year-old who is on a journey to find her true self. While her father, Chief Tui, pressures her to follow in his footsteps and lead their island one day, Moana is drawn to the sea. We get to witness firsthand her love for the sea, and it is magical. The people of her village are forbidden to go beyond the safety of the reef, yet the open ocean seems to beckon Moana. “It doesn’t seem possible for her to fulfill her heart’s desire and still be true to her people and her culture,” says director Ron Clements. “She descended from navigators, but she doesn’t know it.”

Her island is threatened by a terrible darkness, which causes Moana to break the rules and sets sail on an epic adventure to save her people and find the answers she’s been searching for her whole life. Says director John Musker, “She is inspired to solve the problem of this world that has been haunting them and has made voyaging impossible. If she can face this problem that’s plagued them for a thousand years, perhaps voyaging could resume.”

Moana is a strong hero who sets out to retrieve what her people lost a long time ago. Moana wants to save the world. She’s a powerful role model for today’s audiences, perfect for young girls to look up to.

The perfect voice was found to bring Moana to life. Auli‘i Cravalho was called on to provide the voice of the tenacious teenager. “She has the spirit of Moana,” says Shurer. “We tease her and she teases us right back. There’s a fearlessness, but at the same time genuine warmth. She is a natural talent and a professional—but still a kid at heart.”

MAUI

Maui is a demigod—half god, half mortal, all awesome. Charismatic and funny, he wields a magical fishhook that allows him to shapeshift into all kinds of animals and pull up islands from the sea. Maui was once considered the greatest hero in Oceania. Watch for Maui’s tattoos. His body is covered with tattoos of his extraordinary feats, including a mini-version of himself that acts as Maui’s conscience. The tattoos are animated and really help to tell the story and adds some comedy that is fun to watch. “Maui is responsible for the trouble that threatens Moana’s people,” says Musker. “He’s paying a price for his actions and is somewhat of a lost hero—a shadow of his former self. Moana needs him to right his wrongs and restore what’s been lost.”

Alongside Moana, Maui brings his super strength—as well as his super-sized issues. “He has an all-encompassing drive to succeed that gets him into trouble,” says Clements.

Dwayne Johnson voices Maui. “He’s very connected to his Samoan roots,” says Clements. “Maui is a charismatic character and Dwayne is nothing if not charismatic. He has great comedic timing, nails the action scenes and is so likable. And he can sing.”

Gramma Tala

Gramma Tala, Moana’s confidante and best friend, shares her granddaughter’s special connection to the ocean. Although her son, Chief Tui, is a no-nonsense leader, Gramma Tala most definitely dances to the beat of her own drum. She feels in her soul that the ocean has big plans for Moana, but she won’t reveal the legendary secrets of their wayfinding ancestors till the time is right.

“Gramma Tala is the keeper of the ancient stories,” says screenwriter Jared Bush. “She knows the history of their people and understands how important it is that Moana holds onto her dreams. But she never gives her the answers. She lets Moana find her way.”

Rachel House is the voice of Gramma Tala.

Chief Tui & Sina

TEMUERA MORRISON (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Six Days, Seven Nights”) voices Moana’s father, CHIEF TUI, the gregarious and well-respected leader of the people of Motunui Island. NICOLE SCHERZINGER (Grammy®-nominated singer, West End's "Cats") voices Moana’s mother, SINA, who always has her daughter’s back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water, but also wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon Flies into Theaters! #PetesDragon

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Erin

Pete’s Dragon

By Jonelle

Friendly Dragons? Is There Such A Thing?

On the heels of the releases of The Jungle Book and Finding Dory earlier this year, Disney Studios is working its magic once again with a reimagining of the 1977 classic film, Pete’s Dragon. Other than the name of the movie and the main characters Pete and Elliot, nothing else is similar between these two films. Fans of the 1977 version will instantly fall in love with and appreciate the beauty of this version too.

Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a young boy, orphaned by a tragic accident. Lost and alone in the local woods, he runs into a legendary Millhaven dragon, which he names Elliot. Pete and Elliot come to rely on each other, not only for safety, but for friendship and love. Elliot acts more of a family pet, a protector for Pete, than an evil beast hell bent on scaring local hunters. When threatened, instead of fighting back, Elliot uses his magic to disappear. You can’t help but hope for Pete and Elliot to find a home of their very own, they already are family. The way Pete and Elliot love each other is so heartwarming. It goes beyond legend, beyond lore and beyond “species.”

As a child, park ranger Grace Meacham grew up hearing tall tales from her father Meachem, played by the legendary actor Robert Redford, about the fierce dragon he encountered in the woods years before.

He shares his story with the local town children, who love to listen to legend and lore. Much to the chagrin of Grace, who knows the forest like “she knows the back of her hand” and has never, herself, discovered the mysterious being.

Horsing Around In LA

Tag Archives: Disney

The Queen of Katwe Red Carpet Premiere #QueenOfKatwe