MSRP: $39.99
The Production: 4.5/5
Long ago, the land of Kumandra was under attack by an evil force known as the Druun, laying waste to everything in its path and turning any living creature to stone. Dragons were the protector of the land, but they were no match for the Druun, who turned nearly all of the dragons to stone. The last remaining dragons teamed together and channeled their powers into a Dragon Stone, offering it to their baby sister Sisu (voiced with a lot of spunk by Awkwafina) to detonate and defeat the Druun. The successful defeat caused the people in Kumandra to splinter off into five independent societies when the Heart clan took possession of the Dragon Gem, leaving Fang, Spine, Talon, and Tail not only jealous of Heartâs prized possession, but envious as well. Five hundred years later, Chief Benja (Daniel Dae Kim) of Heart invites the four other clans for a celebration in hopes of reuniting the land. His daughter, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), seems to have foun
Eventbrite s fee is nonrefundable.
Event description
Presented in partnership with the ANU Film Group, re-connect, relax and enjoy the newly released Disney film Raya and the Last Dragon. About this event
In a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon. But, as she soon discovers, it will take more than a dragon to save the world.
Raya and the Last Dragon features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as the magical, mythical dragon Sisu. With original characters, thrilling set pieces and stunning animation, enjoy this sure-fire classic from Walt Disney Animation Studios and a relaxing afternoon with your alumni community.
A whole new world:
Raya and the Last Dragon drew on diverse Southeast Asian influences and culture to create the fantasy realm of Kumandra
When you make a dream a reality, there comes a time when that whole world reveals itself. For James Romo, UT grad and production supervisor on Disney s magical fantasy
Raya and the Last Dragon, it was when the writing team sat down with the art department to explain the five disparate lands of the mystical realm of Kumandra: not just the geography but the people, their cultures, and how the three elements were interwoven. It was a big moment for me, Romo recalled. I remember thinking, OK, this is our world that we are making.
Five alumni innovators provide insight into changing landscapes
Five RIT alumni gathered remotely for the Futurists Symposium during the May 1 Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival. Pictured are, top row from left to right: Emilio Schaffino, sign-language interpreter; RIT President David Munson; Jon Rodibaugh, executive director of RIT Alumni Relations. Middle row, from left to right: Gregory Smith ’06, head of Characters and Technical Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios; Brittney Lee ’06, visual development artist, Walt Disney Animation Studios; Ben Meunier ’03, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Oakley. Bottom row, from left to right: Dimple Joseph ’18, frontline leader, Abbott Rapid Diagnostics; Matthew Peltier ’13, founder and CEO of Community; and moderator Evan Dawson, from WXXI.
Stars: 3/5
Throughout the 2010âs, Walt Disney Animation Studios has relentlessly released film after film with titles like Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Moana becoming instant household classics. Almost all of them are enjoyable, some more so than others, but one cannot deny how deeply derivative they are of one another.
A fantastical land, a mysterious power, a regal hero, smirking sidekick, the death of a family member, a quest for MacGuffins, a mindless antagonistic presence and gorgeous animation. All of these elements compose the tried-and-true Disney formula of moviemaking. Itâs worked for decades, but the cracks are finally starting to show in Raya and the Last Dragon.