Mirror mirror : cinema as an iconography of the life of the other in Walt Disney's Encanto (2021)‎

Abstract EN

To display the zeitgeist of every instant in life, to embody new explorations and agonistic experiences, cinematography did not fail in exalting enthusiastic spirits fond of exploitation and creativity.

indeed, the rise of the Walt Disney company and the dispersion of its captivating and entrancing motion pictures provided a new dimension to the art of storytelling.

quite entertaining and instructive at the same time, Disney's movies vociferate themes and messages profound in meaning and understanding.

referential to the experiences of migration and to the embodiment of refugees, Disney's newest animated movie, Encanto, provides an accurate depiction of the lives of third generation immigrants of Colour.

revolving around the madrigals, the Encanto recounts the story of a Colombian family blessed with a miracle, the Encanto that keeps their family safe by giving them extraordinary abilities to serve their community.

while fleeing their home land from an armed conflict, Abuela alma loses her husband, Pedro, but gains a magical blessing through a candle she carries.

by creating a hidden town with a sentient casita that keeps the family safe, Abuela becomes the matriarch leader of the household.

throughout the storyline events, the trauma of migration and the generational trauma that comes with it surges to the surface.

therefore, this article presents an insight into the lives of immigrants of Colour.

it lays down a contemporary representation of immigrants in 2021 Disney's Encanto.

in this essay, the purpose is to unveil the experiences, struggles, contributions and, most importantly, image Disney grants to refugees.