By Samantha Highfill

Being a princess is not nearly as glamorous as it appears. At least, that’s what the young filmmakers of The Real Princesses sought to prove.

Sarah Freyermuth, 14, and Courtney Callahan, 14, students from the Citizen Jane Film Academy, are the filmmaking partners behind this short film about body image and sexism in the world of Disney. In The Real Princesses, each Disney princess is interviewed and allowed to answer honestly about everything from her royal duties to what she’d like to change about her world. From discussing their lack of control over the kingdom to the fact that being a princess is hard work, this film is about the side of Disney that we as moviegoers are not allowed to see.

A beautifully childlike short that deals with very adult topics, The Real Princesses quickly captures the hearts of its audience. From the drawings that make up the beginning of the film to the young actors portraying the princesses, it’s hard not to stand and applaud the girls who thought to challenge Disney at such a young age. The heart and message of the film is epitomized when sleeping beauty tells the audience: “I’m not perfect. Nobody is.”

With the ability to make an auditorium of adults laugh while simultaneously spreading an important message, this film is the perfect balance of innocence and wisdom.

Vox Rating: VVV = MAKE THE MATINEE