Pixar's Latest Short "Bao" Is All About Family

Pixar

I love the Pixar shorts that are shown before each new movie, especially the ones about family, like La Luna and Piper. They've all been fantastic little stories, and the latest short sounds absolutely beautiful.

Bao tells the story of a Chinese mother who is saddened by her empty nest.

Get a taste of #Bao, our upcoming short opening ahead of #Incredibles2 June 15. pic.twitter.com/Yw17N2pNZX

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) April 12, 2018

One day, one of her bao, or dumplings, suddenly comes to life as a little boy. She gets a second chance at motherhood, but quickly realizes that children will always grow up too soon.

Pixar

The story, which was written and directed by Domee Shi, (the first woman to direct a Pixar short) was based in part on her relationship with her mother. Shi chose a dumpling to come alive because they were an important part of her childhood.

"I would make them with my mom as a little girl so I always had a special connection with dumplings and spending time with my mom," Shi said. "We’d make them while watching Chinese dramas together all weekend, or during the holidays and before the New Year."

Shi's mother was very involved in one important part of the short. She came to the Pixar offices to demonstrate how to make dumplings, and the technique and skill that goes into them, which the animators referenced when making the film. Bao will debut with Incredibles 2 on June 15.