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Disney Launches New Initiative to Support Female Filmmakers

Disney Launches New Initiative to Support Female Filmmakers

Since its launch in 2016, “Dream Big, Princess,” Disney’s filmmaking initiative, has sought to empower young women and girls around the world to chase their dreams. In collaboration with the United Nations Foundation’s “Girl Up,” the initiative’s goal is to help shape the next generation of female storytellers.

“Sharing stories is at the core of what we do,” Jennifer Lee, who serves as chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, says. “Whether those stories are those of Disney princess heroines or real-life role models, they have the ability to inspire kids to follow their dreams.”

This year, Disney is teaming up with 21 aspiring female filmmakers from 13 countries to create an inspirational 20-part video series. Each filmmaker will be paired with a trailblazing female role model working in various industries to document their story and capture their advice to achieve one’s dreams.

The films will be fully produced with Apple technology: Each video will be shot with an iPhone X and edited using Final Cut Pro X on a MacBook Pro. Each filmmaker will take part in a workshop featuring hands-on training from Apple tech professionals, mentorship from female-led production company Summerjax and some creative inspiration from previous Disney storytellers.

Lee, who won an Oscar for Frozen, will serve as one of the film subjects.

“Using the journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa and Moana to inspire kids to dream big is at the very heart of what all of us at Disney do,” Lee said. “The ‘Dream Big, Princess’ series is the perfect extension of that vision, providing a powerful platform for the next generation of aspiring filmmakers to create content about the women who have inspired them.”

In addition to supporting the filmmakers along their creative journey, the “Dream Big, Princess” campaign also hopes make a difference for girls who face challenges in making their dreams come true. Disney Worldwide Services plans to donate $1 to Girl Up, up to $1 million, for every like or share of each video with #DreamBigPrincess on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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