There’s nothing like a heartwarming holiday film to keep out the wintry chill, and nothing can capture the magic of the season like a classic animated movie.
TOP5 Animated Holiday Screenplays by BIPOC
Written by: Christine B.
December 10, 2020
There’s nothing like a heartwarming holiday film to keep out the wintry chill, and nothing can capture the magic of the season like a classic animated movie. Here are 5 animated holiday screenplays by BIPOC creators.
The Star (2017)
A sweet and uplifting holiday animation, The Star tells an imaginative and sweet version of Jesus’ birth—from the point of view of animals—while remaining faithful to the biblical narrative. This religious tale is just funny and entertaining enough to amuse most families who celebrate Christmas. The screenplay was written by Carlos Kotkin.
Little Spirit: Christmas in New York (2008)
A friendly New York cabbie tells two unhappy young sisters a magical story of a boy named Leo who moved to Manhattan with his family and accidentally loses his dog, Ramona, in Central Park. The screenplay was written by Leopoldo Gout.
The Proud Family, “Seven Days of Kwanzaa” (2001)
While Christmas shopping, the Proud Family encounters a homeless family at the mall. Against Oscar’s wishes, Penny invites the family over to celebrate Christmas. When they arrive, the Prouds discover that the family actually celebrates Kwanzaa. Throughout the week, the family returns daily, teaching the Prouds about the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles of Kwanzaa and African heritage. The Prouds end up learning about the importance of family, heritage, unity, giving, and the true meaning of the holiday season. Created by Bruce W. Smith, written by Wayne Stamps, and developed by Doreen Spicer.
Santa, Baby! (2001)
This tale about a young girl who uses a Christmas wish to help bring inspiration to her songwriter father is a holiday classic. The animated television special features the voices of icons such as Eartha Kitt, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Tom Joyner, and Gregory Hines. The screenplay was written by Peter Bakalian and Suzanne Collins.
Klaus (2019)
A light but appealing Santa Claus origin story, in the spirit of traditional, hand-drawn animation. Klaus follows a selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker who form an unlikely friendship, delivering joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it. The original story comes from Sergio Pablos. The screenplay was written by Sergio Pablos, Jim Mahoney, and Zach Lewis.
