The Impact of Film: Disney’s Zootopia
Discover the transformative role of World Trust’s films in shaping narratives
In the realm of animated filmmaking, issues related to bias and stereotyping are prevalent, often perpetuating systemic inequity. The Walt Disney Company, standing at the vanguard of animated films for almost a century, sought to produce a film with strong underlying themes of diversity, inclusivity, and equity.
Enter Dr. Shakti Butler, the visionary Founder and President Emeritus of World Trust. She assumed a remarkable role as an equity consultant for what would become an Academy Award-winning animated film, Zootopia.
Using the World Trust original film Cracking The Codes: The System of Racial Inequity, Dr. Butler opened up dialogue about disparities and introduced new perspectives to the film’s creators. Over several months, Dr. Butler brought her wealth of expertise to the table, working closely with Disney to address these deep-seated issues. Her guidance aligned the film with the principles of inclusivity and diversity championed by World Trust.
The result was an Oscar-winning, groundbreaking film that fearlessly confronted systemic inequity. Zootopia exemplified the wisdom of World Trust, showcasing how a commitment to addressing bias and stereotyping could lead to a more inclusive and diverse narrative. Dr. Shakti Butler’s involvement served as a catalyst for positive change within the film industry, demonstrating the power of collaboration between social justice advocates and the entertainment world in promoting a fairer and more equitable society. Explore our curated collection of educational films that engage, inform, and inspire. Click here to get started.
