Disney’s upcoming Raya And The Last Dragon will feature The Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first animated short film in over five years and it’s titled Us Again.

Us Again is a vibrant and original new theatrical animated short from director Zach Parrish that brings together dance, music, emotional storytelling and inspired animation, is set to debut exclusively in cinemas worldwide beginning from 5 March, preceding Raya And The Last Dragon viewings. It is Disney Animation’s first new theatrical short since the 2016’s Inner Workings, which accompanied Moana on the big screen. 

If you can’t catch Raya And The Last Dragon in cinemas, Us Again is also scheduled to make its streaming debut in June on Disney Plus.

Set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night.  The years fade away as the joy of dancing propels them across the exciting cityscape of their youth and revives fond memories and ambitions.  Us Again is told entirely without dialogue and set to an original funk and soul musical score reminiscent of the mid-60s.

Parrish is an eleven-year veteran of Disney Animation who served as head of animation on Big Hero 6 and director of the Short Circuit film Puddles, in addition to his numerous animation credits on features for the Studio.  Award-winning choreographers/dancers Keone and Mari (featured performers on “World of Dance,” and renowned for their collaborations with such top talents as Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish), and acclaimed composer Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel) brought their unique talents to this experimental and musical fantasy.

The film is produced by Brad Simonsen (associate producer on Big Hero 6, Zootopia and Ralph Breaks The Internet), and executive produced by Jennifer Lee, CCO for Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS).

Commenting on the announcement, WDAS President Clark Spencer said:

“We’re thrilled to be premiering our first new theatrical short in five years, ‘Us Again,’ exclusively on the big screen alongside our incredible new feature, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon.’

Zach has tapped into elements from his personal life, and collaborated with the very best in the world of dance and music to create this very special film. 

We are so proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to sharing it with movie theater goers in March, and then in June on Disney Plus.”

Parrish said:

“Working with Keone and Mari was the key to making this film work.

From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted this film to be music driven.

And I felt that dance is a universal language that can translate into any culture.

I loved that their dance style felt like it was made for animation, and that there was this genuine, honest and organic connection between them because they were actually a married couple in real life.

The story itself was inspired by my own grandparents, who faced getting older in different ways, along with my own physical limitations in playing sports resulting from getting older and injuries.

I started thinking about how someone might look at the world differently as things change and they grow older.”

Raya And The Last Dragon is slated to premiere in cinemas and Disney Plus on 5 March 2021.