Gini Santos, Head Supervising Animator of Pixar recently visited the Philippines to personally have a hand in promoting Disney's and Pixar's latest movie, Coco.
Her casual demeanor disguises her big-time job in a leading movie animation in the world, Pixar. Santos has been working with Pixar for 20 years, and has since then rose among the ranks and was recognized as the sole creator of Dory, the short-termed memory buddy of Nemo in Finding Nemo, which later on had it's own movie Finding Dory. Her notable works include, Toy Story 2, Monster's Inc., A Bug's Life, and Brave among others.
Santos leads 80 animators, and she is the only pure Filipina, born and raised in Manila. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas and later on pursued a new media not yet popular during her time. Santos took a master's degree in New York City, and is now based in San Francisco. She followed her dreams that led her to where she is now.
 |
Asked bout the movie Coco, she said that there will be no Filipino tell-tale signs like the "bahay kubo" in Finding Nemo. Instead, the Filipino audience will feel the similarities when it comes to family ties. Also, since the movie is based on a Mexican family, the cultures and traditions are not far from that of the Filipinos.
"I am glad to make Coco as entertaining as possible, and let children wash away their fears of skeletons," reveals Santos. "In contrast, the after-life can also be endearing when presented in a colorful, pleasantly creative way."
Coco is the name of young Miguel's grandmother. He has his dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz, the best musician in Mexican history. Magically, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead during Dia de Muertos. He embarks on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Get ready for a tear-jerking movie, with lots of heart, love and music.... all beautifully packaged in one amazing animation.
About Arabelle Jimenez
