Inside 'Disney Worldbuilders': Leslie Iwerks on Her Family’s Disney Legacy
The documentary filmmaker talks about her latest project, and how, for her, the business of Disney is family business.
Leslie Iwerks recently talked to Newsweek about Disney's new documentary, Disney Worldbuilders. The feature-length film explores how cinematic worlds become immersive theme-park attractions. Iwerks, the filmmaker, said, "Being in this part of my life now, full-circle documenting a lot of the people that are continuing to create the magic, I think, is really special for me."
The project is deeply personal for Iwerks. She reflected on growing up in one of Disney's most influential creative families. Her grandfather, Ub Iwerks, was the animator behind Mickey Mouse and co-creator of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Her father, Don Iwerks, was an engineer and inventor who helped pioneer 360-degree camera systems and other innovations.
Iwerks spoke of her mother, Betty, whose presence in her life shaped her love of storytelling. Disney Worldbuilders showcases the collaboration between filmmakers and Imagineers in translating iconic stories from movies like Avatar, Star Wars, Monsters, Inc., and Frozen into real-world attractions.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
