Plot Synopsis

LAUNCHPAD is a collection of live-action shorts from a new generation of dynamic storytellers, with each short from a different filmmaker.

The first six shorts dropped on Disney+ on Friday, May 28, 2021. Inspired by life's journey, these first six shorts are based on the theme, "Discover." Six filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds were selected and provided with the opportunity to share their perspectives and creative visions that will show audiences what it means to be seen:

"American Eid" (writer/director: Aqsa Altaf): Ameena, a Muslim Pakistani immigrant, wakes up on Eid to find outthat she has to go to school. Homesick and heartbroken, she goes on a mission to make Eid a public-school holiday, and in the process, reconnects with her older sister, and embraces her new home, while her new home embraces her.

"Dinner Is Served" (written by G. Wilson & director Hao Zheng): A Chinese student at an elite U.S. boarding school realizes excellence is not enough when he tries out for a leadership position no international student has ever applied for.

"Growing Fangs" (writer/director: Ann Marie Pace): Val Garcia, a Mexican-American teen who is half human/half vampire, has had to keep her identity a secret from both worlds. But when her human best friend shows up at her monster-infested school, she has to confront her truth, her identity, and herself.

"The Last of the Chupacabras" (writer/director: Jessica Mendez Siqueiros): In a world where culture has nearly ceased to exist, one lone Mexican-American struggling to carry on her traditions unknowingly summons a dark and ancient creature to protect her.

"Let's Be Tigers" (writer/director: Stefanie Abel Horowitz): Avalon's not ready to process the loss of her mother, but when she'sput in charge of a 4-year-old for one night, she finds more comfort than she ever could have expected.

"The Little Prince(ss)" (writer/director: Moxie Peng): When Gabriel, a 7-year-old Chinese kid who loves ballet, becomes friends with Rob, another Chinese kid from school, Rob's dad gets suspicious about Gabriel's feminine behavior and decides to intervene.
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A second collection of live-action shorts debuted on Friday, September 29, 2023 on Disney+. Season 2 of LAUNCHPAD showcases six writers, five directors and one writer-director from underrepresented backgrounds who were given the opportunity to share their perspectives and creative visions. Based on the theme of "connection," the new season includes these shorts:

"Beautiful, FL" (Director: Gabriela Ortega; Writers: Joel Perez and Adrian Ferbeyre): Determined to win an ice cream competition with a flavor inspired by her late Tia Abuela's Puerto Rican treats, a teen girl turns to her trailer park neighbors to help figure out the winning recipe. Cast includes Dariana Alvarez, Lynette Coll, Eileen Galindo, Logan "Meatball Queen" Jennings, Wendi McLendon-Covey.

"Black Belts" (Director: Spencer Glover; Screenplay: Xavier Stiles, Spencer Glover; Story by: Xavier Stiles): Determined to prove himself a Compton legend like his ex-fighter dad, an offbeat teen steals the family's secret martial arts technique to use at a well-renowned underground dojo. Seeking respect amongst peers, he learns quickly that there's more to being a man than throwing hands. Cast includes Seth Carr, Tremayne Norris, Honey Robinson, Godderick Alucard, Smokey Campbell, Anthea Neri Best.

"The Ghost" (Director: Erica Eng; Writer: Kevin Jihyek Park): Twelve-year-old Clarice Cheung feels like she's invisible -- especially next to her older sister Naomi. But when a fight breaks out at the dinner table, it awakens a ghost that begins taking the family, one by one. Now Clarice and Naomi must work together to stop this powerful spirit before their family is torn apart forever. Cast includes Hana Marie Kim, Andie Ju, Sook Hyung Yang, Eddie Shin, Ayvah Jordan Vasquez, Tania Verafield.

"Maxine" (Director/Writer: Niki Ang): Nervous about introducing her first girlfriend to her family, Allie gets help from the spirit of a long-lost relative during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Cast includes Margaret Cho, Elaine Young, Isabella Day, Kelvin Han Yee, Celeste Den, Nicole Jia.

"Project CC" (Director: Cashmere Jasmine; Writer: Jasmine Johnson): A brilliant child scientist must join forces with her sister when a cloning experiment goes awry. Cast includes Jessica Mikayla, A'lasia Simone, Jordyn Curet, Shelley Meche'tte, Rhomeyn Johnson

"The Roof" (Director: Alexander Bocchieri; Writer: W.A.W. Parker): After being sent to stay with their grandfather, a Northern Cheyenne teen discovers a connection to their family and community in a way they never thought possible. Cast includes Phoenix Wilson, Wes Studi, DeLanna Studi, L. Frank Manriquez, Landa Lakes, John M. Sneezy.