This is the first time a Disney plus-size character has appeared as a heroine, not a villain
Disney continues to make moves to when it comes to inclusivity and representation. As part of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ innovative program, Short Circuit, the company has produced a brand new short film as part of its second season, featuring a plus-size character in a new way.
Short Circuit, a program where anyone at the Studio is allowed to pitch ideas and create their own film, is now in its second season on Disney+. Reflect, one of the six new episodes tells the story of Bianca, with an overarching message of body positivity.
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An all-new Short Circuit Experimental Film has arrived! Stream “Reflect” and all the Short Circuit Experimental Films by Walt Disney Animation Studios artists now on @DisneyPlus. 🩰 🎆 pic.twitter.com/c0gw5U4ecc
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) September 14, 2022
Directed by Hillary Bradfield, “Bianca is a ballet dancer who overcomes doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power,” according to the logline.
“The idea for the short began thinking about my own body philosophy,” said Bradfield, during an interview that comes right before the short film on Disney+. “I feel that I am a very body positive person in principle, but when it’s on a personal level it’s a lot harder to be body positive.”
Bianca loves ballet but upon seeing her reflection in the mirror, she starts lifting her chin and sucking in her tummy to match others. But then Bianca finds herself in a place filled with mirrors and must look at her reflection from all sides.
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“Setting the story from a dancer’s perspective seemed just natural,” Bradfield says. “It’s a part of the craft to be looking at your posture and checking things in the mirror, so it just seemed like a really good way to put her in that environment where she has to look at herself and she doesn’t want to.”
To comfort herself, Bianca begins dancing and sees that the broken mirrors start to move with her. If she moves as the dancer she is, she will control the broken glass. Before long, Bianca is able to break through the mirror and reemerge into the class with confidence.
“When people watch the short, I hope that they can feel more positively about themselves and how they look and feel okay about the tough parts of their journey,” Bradfield finishes. “Sometimes you go to the dark place to get to the good place. And that just makes the good place that much more beautiful.”
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