Disney’s California Adventure park celebrates the return of one of its most fun and colorful seasonal attractions, Plaza de la Familia.
Based on the Pixar film “Coco” and the spirit of Día de los Muertos, Plaza de la Familia pays tribute to the everlasting bonds of family with picturesque arts and crafts activities, delicious Mexican cuisine and joyful live entertainment.
To advertise this event, Lobo created a 30-second animated film that shows a young girl celebrating the memory of her grandfather, by offering him a sugar skull cookie at an ofrenda altar during a Day of the Dead celebration. Grandpa’s old skeleton lights up and rushes to meet his family, while the girl enjoys the lights, music and dance of the feast – even running across “Coco” hero Miguel, who plays his guitar for her.
Grandfather finally reaches the family and accepts the girl’s cookie offering, and they all enjoy a warm, meaningful moment of remembrance. The camera pulls back and reveals that the whole action took place on the branches of the Tree of Life, the design of which was based on the actual sculpture that can be seen in the park.
The art direction of the film recalls the original Pixar film style, but with an increased handicraft feel: the settings and characters have a wood and clay sculpture finish, creating an all-around playful, whimsical mood.
