Colombia and Latin America’s Vibrant Culture Shines Through Disney’s ‘Encanto’
Disney Animation Studios 60th animated feature film explores the beauty and richness of Colombia’s culture through song and story.
Mirabel, the protagonist in ‘Encanto’ / Disney Animation Studios
By now, most people are aware of the immense importance to feel seen on screen. Representation of all cultures, beliefs, and identities have been far from inclusive in the film and television industry for decades. Unfortunately, many minority groups have been inaccurately represented on screen and shut out from positive and influential roles.
However, many research, advocacy groups and audiences around the world have demanded for a change in the characters we see on cinema screens and we are slowly beginning to see Hollywood inch towards progress. On November 24th 2021, Walt Disney Animation Studios 60th feature film was released, with the name of Encanto. The word “encanto” essentially means “charm” or “beautiful” and the title couldn’t describe the film more accurately. The movie follows its protagonist Maribel who was born into the Madrigal family, a family where each member possesses a special power given to them at a young age.
As much as I enjoyed the lively music and the many messages intertwined in the film, one of the most poignant aspects I noticed was the display of Latino and Colombian culture. Between the beauty of the town and its surroundings, to the details of the arepas Mirabel’s mom made, the rich culture of Colombia remained present the entire time.
Many people I talked to about the movie seemed to dismiss or not not place much importance on the need for there to be movies like Encanto; where an entire culture is showcased in a completely positive light. It’s interesting to think about how Colombian culture has been portrayed in American media, and I can say from experience it’s usually not good. From television shows like Narcos, the media has often portrayed Latin American countries as dangerous and problematic. These depictions that the film industry creates is harmful not only to the image of the country they are representing, but it creates stereotypes and misconceptions which others (who are not properly informed) begin to believe. This is why it’s so important for Hollywood and media makers to change the way they portray certain communities and begin to tell stories in a more positive light. Thankfully, a film like Encanto does just that. Not only is it a film that touches on universal themes like family unity and being your true self, but it combines various aspects to depict Colombia and Latino culture in a very positive light.
As a children’s film, it’s even more important that the film portrays the Colombian community well, as kids will begin developing their own perceptions of the culture and people. Through song, dance, and going down to details in the food the characters ate, the filmmakers do a wonderful job of crafting a story that is both heartwarming and educational.
One major point that stood out to me in this film was the diversity of the family and how that reflects the typical structure of a Latino family. The Madrigals comprised of the grandmother, who represents decades of representing her community and leading it, her children and their children. Each member of the family has their own powers (except for Mirabel) and their own struggles. The family represents one that extends beyond Latino culture, where each person has their own strengths and weaknesses, and contributes to the complex history of the family. The grandmother is evidently the wisest, but possesses a lot of pain and trauma from her past which is later imposed on other family members. Bruno, one of her children, fled after the family treated him badly for his powers. This is definitely something many can see themselves in as disapproval from other family members is a common struggle among people. The depiction of the Madrigal family is something everyone can relate to, no matter your culture or personal experiences. There is tension, love, care for each other, but simultaneously conflict seems to arise at every corner.
Mirabel argues with her parents and grandmother, and is struggling with self-love due to not possessing magical powers like the rest of her family. Her sister struggles with body image problems and not feeling like she can be weak and express her emotions. Her other sister Isabela, faces the pressure to be perfect constantly and always look beautiful. These obstacles presented in the characters further prove just how powerful this film is. Not only does it focus on celebrating and recognizing Colombian culture, but is alo intertwines messages, themes, and challenges any audience member can relate to. This type of storytelling emphasizes how a community and culture can be beautifully represented while also incorporating universal messages that appeal to audience around the world. By drawing in audiences with a compelling storyline and emotionally complex characters, everyone can learn from and appreciate positive cultural representation while also being entertained.
We cannot forget to mention all the musical numbers as well, which further make for an exciting cinematic experience. The songs all capture the journeys and complexities of the characters while celebrating various genres and styles of Latino music. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the songwriter for the film’s soundtrack, used a combination of styles to piece together songs that perfectly fit the film and some were even entirely in Spanish. Sebastian Yatra sang the song Dos Orugitas, which ended up being nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in a film.
To conclude, Encanto is a film full of so many aspects that make it (in my opinion) one of the best Disney movies made to date. Not only is it incredibly fun and entertaining to watch, but it’s deep and heartfelt, and full of messages all ages and perspectives can relate to. It celebrates Latino culture without diminishing the generational challenges many Latino families face. It highlights how music plays into the story and how colors and vibrancy play a central role in the film and it’s celebration (not degradation) of Latino communities. I highly recommend this film as it uses so many facets of storytelling to communicate an array of messages while giving the audience a chance to learn and recognize the beauty of a particular culture and community.