The documentary filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, known for her work on Disney-related projects, has presented her latest project titled Disneyland Handcrafted. This documentary dives into the creation process of Disneyland, offering viewers an unprecedented insider perspective on the magical world that Walt Disney and his team built. Iwerks, who was editing the documentary The Imagineering Story on the Disney+ streaming platform, was the creative mind behind the innovative proposal to use archival material in a different way.
A documentary with a different visual narrative
Instead of resorting to conventional interviews, Iwerks came up with an idea that would change the visual narrative of the documentary. While reviewing old footage, she thought: wouldn’t it be great to be able to sit in the footage and not cut to talking heads? This reflection led her to develop Disneyland Handcrafted, in which the goal is for the audience to have an immersive experience within the archival images, connecting more emotionally with the story being told.
Iwerks’ approach represents a significant shift in the narrative technique of documentaries related to the history of Disneyland and its innovations. Throughout Disneyland Handcrafted, viewers can expect an in-depth study of the technical and creative aspects that shaped the iconic theme park, revealing the unknown details that are often relegated to the background of broader narratives.
With this new production, Iwerks continues to explore Disney’s legacy in a way that not only pays homage to its history, but also exceeds expectations of how a visually rich and immersive story can be told in contemporary cinema.
