If you haven’t seen it yet, the short film Float will resonate with all parents, but especially with parents of children with special needs. Disney-Pixar’s Float comes from a personal story and is a touching tribute to children who are “different.”
Float is the story of the bond between a parent and child. It’s also about accepting your child, no matter what their circumstances are. In many ways, it’s the story of any child’s difference.
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Disney-Pixar Float
In the short film, just under six minutes long, a father discovers that his son is “different.” He is playing with his baby boy when the baby begins to float in the air. In a panic, the dad runs inside to hide with his child, wanting to protect him from the judgement and stares of others.
When they go outdoors, he tries to hide his son’s floating by keeping him on a leash and weighing down his backpack with stones to keep him grounded.
One day his son escapes and floats around a playground. Other families start to notice and grow afraid, and the father must decide how to react. He drags his son, screaming and kicking, away from the playground. In a moment of frustration he says, “Why can’t you just be normal?!”
This short film is very moving and will resonate with parents of children with special needs, such as autism.
About the Making of Float
This touching, personal story was created by Filipino American animator Bobby Rubio, based on his own experience raising his son, who has autism. It also features Pixar’s first Filipino American characters.
Rubio says it took him years to tell his family’s story, but his wife pointed out that as a storyteller, maybe he should tell their story through a comic — and that was the start of the journey that eventually led to the short film being made.
Float really does speak volumes about the relationship between parent and child, and about loving your child exactly as they are.
At the end of the film, there’s a dedication to Rubio’s son Alex, which reads:
“Thank you for making me a better dad.
Dedicated with love and understanding to all families with children deemed different.”
You can stream Float now on Disney+ — and be sure to watch the behind-the-scenes extra, in which Rubio himself describes how the film came about.
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Have your say! Have you watched the Disney-Pixar short film Float? Did you like it? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
*What is Disney-Pixar’s Float about?*
Float is a short film about a father coming to terms with his son being “different” — in this case, the boy has the ability to float. It’s a gentle, moving story about acceptance, protection, and unconditional love between parent and child.
*Is Float based on a true story?*
Yes. The film was created by Pixar animator Bobby Rubio and is inspired by his own experience raising his son, who has autism.
*Where can I watch Float?*
Float is available to stream on Disney+, along with a behind-the-scenes extra featuring Bobby Rubio discussing how the film came to be made.
*Is Float suitable for young children?*
The film runs just under six minutes and has no dialogue-heavy or frightening content, but its emotional themes — particularly a father’s frustration and a child feeling different — may prompt questions from younger viewers. Many parents choose to watch it alongside their children and talk about it afterwards.
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Save This for Later
Loved Float? Browse more heartfelt short films and family entertainment picks on MyKidsTime, and save this one to come back to whenever you need a good, honest cry with the kids.
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