Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

It’s important to know the significance between Hispanic and Latino, because they are often used interchangeably. As a result, many not recognizing the cultural differences, as well as lingual...¡No me digas!
As we celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, we would like to bring focus to some of the Pioneers, Visionaries, and the New Ambassadors of animation.

Throughout the decades, diverse Hispanic and Latino artists, writers, directors and actors have helped build up the animation industry. Most importantly, these amazing people have inspired others within their Hispanic and Latin communities. Some of the Pioneers include:

Miguel Angel Acosta, the first known Mexican animator who created over 200 animated films. “El Apostol” is one of the earliest animated films in history created by Italian-Argentine immigrants Quirino Cristiani and Federico Valle. José Cuauhtémoc Melendez, better known as Bill Melendez throughout the animation world. He was one of the first Hispanic animators hired by Walt Disney Productions in 1935, where he worked on what are now considered classics: Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi. After the 1941 strike he moved to what it

is now Warner Brothers Cartoons and UPA. He was best known for his work with the Peanuts animated specials and voicing both Snoopy and Woodstock.

Moving into the future, we have witnessed art created by Rita Moreno (Puerto Rico) from “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?”, Sergio Pablo (Spain) from “Klaus", Jorge Gutierrez (Mexico) from “Book of Life”, and Silvia Olivas (Latin America) from “Maya and the Three”. Adrian (Mexican) is an animator, storyboard artist, screenwriter, director, and lyricist, best known for the award- winning Coco.

Then we have our trail blazers and new ambassadors of animation, Illya Owens (El Salvadoran) Lead Editor- Mickey Mouse, Vivo,etc. Owens, who is the winner of four Annie Awards (the highest honor in animation) was a teenage mother when she skipped college and found a way into her dream. Pilar Flynn, Producer, Elena of Avalor
(Chilena and Ecuatoriana) Flynn chose to use compassion as her main advantage, leading to the first Latina Disney Princess. Jose Zelaya (El Salvadoran), Character Designer, Mickey and the Roadster Racers and The Lion Guard. Zelaya escaped war in El Salvador and battled bullying with his skills. Francisco Angones, (Cuban) Co-Producer and Story Editor, DuckTales. Angones pushed so that his children would grow up with a Latino superhero on screen. All accomplished men and women who found unconventional entry points into animation.

These are just a few amazing creators who are part of the Hispanic and Latino community. This month we stand by our Cubano, El Salvadoran, "Puertorriqueño" or "Boricua.", Mexicano, Latin Americano, and The Caribbean (LAC), and Spanish, hermanos y hermanas! To celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage

Month. That’s why the Diversity Committee welcomes everyone to learn and embrace these beautiful cultures. Así que celebremos! (So let’s celebrate!)