Alex Prager's Surreal Tribute to Disney Princesses Captures Childhood Imagination
By Editor • August 17, 2026 • 1 min read
Alex Prager’s latest collaboration with Disney transcends the ordinary, merging reality with fantasy in her unique style. The project, a short film titled Once A Princess, Always A Princess, celebrates World Princess Week and explores the bond between two young girls through the lens of imaginative play.
Prager describes this endeavor as a dream come true, revealing her deep connection to both the Disney brand and the narratives it creates. "When I pitched doing everything in-camera with traditional practical effects, the response was excitement," she shared. This approach allowed her to capture the essence of childhood imagination, seamlessly transitioning between the girls’ whimsical world and their everyday reality.
The film’s production involved a skilled team, including cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who helped bring Prager’s vision to life. By employing practical effects during filming, Prager aimed to evoke a visceral sense of magic, stating, "It's real life movie magic, partially why I got into filmmaking in the first place." The results are striking, with elements like floating carpets and handcrafted puppets enhancing the story's dreamlike quality.
Reflecting on the Disney Princesses, Prager noted their cultural significance, comparing them to symbols of luxury and femininity. “They are layered… an amalgam of every female character that's ever been told,” she remarked, highlighting their role as modern-day myths.
Source: www.wallpaper.com
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