It is the first Pixar film solely directed by a woman and the second to feature an Asian lead character (after Up, 2009). Inspired by Shi's experiences growing up in Toronto, the film began development in 2018 after she pitched it to Pixar in October 2017.
Set in Toronto, Ontario in 2002, it follows Meilin 'Mei' Lee, a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian student who, due to a hereditary curse, transforms into a giant red panda when she experiences any strong emotion. It stars the voices of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, Tristan Allerick Chen, and James Hong. It was directed by Domee Shi in her feature directorial debut, written by Shi and Julia Cho, and produced by Lindsey Collins. Turning Red is a 2022 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
