Disney Movies and World Heritage Sites
Representation for Kids and Adults
Many films use World Heritage sites as serene environmental backgrounds. While many use these World Heritage site locations in real life, others may use them in a different form. Disney Pixar animation has included World Heritage sites in many of their animated movies. Even when drawn by an animator, these World Heritage sites are recognizable and carry the same universal value. Here is a list of Pixar movies with animated World Heritage site backdrops.
1. Finding Nemo
In Finding Nemo, Nemo’s home is within an anemone situated within the Great Barrier reef World Heritage site. Even though the movie is animated, it still takes place in a UNESCO World Heritage site as the primary backdrop for the film.
2. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
In the movie The Hunchback of Notre dame, the World Heritage site is in the movie title’s name. The film focuses on the main character as a bell keeper in the famous cathedral. As kids watch this movie, they are exposed to a very renowned World Heritage site; the film’s opening scene begins with an image of the cathedral while the song “The Bells of Notre Dame” plays.
3. Mulan
Mulan, a Disney princess classic movie, features the Great Wall of China[HS1]. At the beginning of the film, the Great Wall looms into focus as the Huns, the villains in the movie, attack. The use of the Great Wall in the movie’s opening scene places the film’s location into context as the Great Wall is a famous symbol of China.
Individuals of all ages and backgrounds watch Disney Movies. Disney itself has become a culture. Disney is bringing exposure to these sites by incorporating World Heritage sites such as the Great barrier reef, Notre Dame, and the Great Wall. Animation also provides a way to utilize World Heritage sites for films without damaging them by bringing in a film crew. By seeing World Heritage sites in Disney movies, Disney fans may seek out more information about these sites and eventually want to visit them.