Pixar Alum Rodrigo Blaas Announces Debut Feature, Duende, a Fusion of Flamenco and Japanese Aesthetics
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The celebrated animator, known for his work on Pixar classics, is stepping into the director’s chair with a visually stunning and culturally rich project.
Rodrigo Blaas, a veteran animator whose fingerprints are all over beloved Pixar films like Finding Nemo, the Incredibles, Ratatouille, WALL-E, and Up, is embarking on a new chapter in his career. He’s developing Duende,his first feature film as director,through his independent studio,El Guiri Studios.
The proclamation came with the release of a captivating teaser trailer, offering a first glimpse into the film’s unique visual style and thematic core.
[Trailer would be embedded here]
While plot details remain under wraps, El Guiri Studios’ website provides a tantalizing description:
Inspired by Flamenco, our love of Japan and the music of rosalía. The spirit of Flamenco and Japan reimagined in an animated world. A first look at Duende, an animated feature film in development at El Guiri Studios.
In a recent interview with Cartoon Brew, Blaas elaborated on his vision for the project. We are in the early stages. we have crafted a beautiful script and are now seeking a studio/distribution partner that recognizes the unique opportunity of telling this bold cross-cultural story that fuses the soul of flamenco with the emotional spirit of J-Pop.
He continued, Art and music have the power to help us embrace and fall in love with other cultures, and this film is a celebration of that universal language.
The Meaning of ”duende”
The film’s title, Duende, carries a weight beyond its literal translation of “elf.” In Spanish, “duende” refers to a heightened state of emotion, inspiration, and authenticity - a feeling of awe experienced especially in the presence of art or nature. It’s an almost mystical connection to something profound and beautiful. The teaser suggests this deeper meaning will be central to the film’s narrative and aesthetic.
rosalía’s Influence and the Spirit of Innovation
The project’s creators cite Rosalía, the globally acclaimed Spanish singer, as a key musical influence, though she is not currently involved in the production. Rosalía has revolutionized contemporary music by seamlessly blending conventional flamenco with modern genres, retaining the raw emotional power of the original art form. Her groundbreaking 2019 performance of Los Chunguitos’ “Me Quedo Contigo” at the Spanish Academy goya Awards-a stripped-down, intensely moving rendition-exemplifies her ability to bridge tradition and innovation, embodying the very essence of “duende” that Blaas aims to capture in Duende.
Duende promises to be more than just an animated film; it’s a cultural exploration, a celebration of artistic expression, and a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration.The project’s ambition and Blaas’s pedigree suggest a film with the potential to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
