People & Places Returns: Disney’s Award-Winning Documentary Series Explores the Wonders of Our World Once Again

The world is full of wonder, and Disney is inviting you to explore it like never before.

On July 9, 2025, Disney+ will premiere a fresh collection of heartfelt documentary shorts under the banner of People & Places, a timeless series originally launched in the golden age of Walt Disney himself. This revival promises a cinematic passport to awe-inspiring locations, cultures, and personal stories—delivered with the storytelling charm and global vision that only Disney can offer.

🌍 What Is People & Places? A Brief History

Originally released between 1953 and 1960, People & Places was a groundbreaking short documentary series produced by Walt Disney Productions. It took audiences across continents—from the icy expanses of Alaska to the vibrant traditions of Sardinia and Morocco—often filmed in stunning CinemaScope.

The series was widely praised and received numerous accolades, including:

• Four Academy Award nominations

• Three Oscar wins for Best Two-Reel Live Action Short

Unlike many travelogues of the era, People & Places combined authentic human stories with immersive cultural insight, making it a favorite among educators, critics, and film lovers.

🎥 The Revival: A Modern Lens on Timeless Themes

🗓️ A New Chapter Begins — February 2024

In October 2019, Disney announced the long-awaited revival of People & Places for its Disney+ streaming platform, with initial production led by the acclaimed studio Supper Club (Chef’s Table, Street Food).

The series officially returned in February 2024 with Sean Wang’s deeply personal short film Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival (2023). This touching tribute to the filmmaker’s grandmothers beautifully reflected the spirit of People & Places, winning hearts and earning a 2024 Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short Film.

🔜 What’s Coming on July 9, 2025

On June 17, 2025, Disney announced that four new short films under the People & Places banner would arrive on July 9, further expanding the series’ modern collection. While full details of each short are under wraps, the collection is expected to explore a diverse array of global experiences—from vibrant communities to isolated landscapes—celebrating humanity’s deep connection with its surroundings.

📺 Where to Watch People & Places

🌐 Streaming Exclusively on Disney+

• Release Date: July 9, 2025

• Platform: Disney+

• Available Worldwide

• The entire collection, including the acclaimed Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, is available for streaming under the

  Documentary section of the platform.

If you love short-form storytelling, authentic human narratives, and cultural exploration—this series is not to be missed.

💡 Why People & Places Still Matters

In a world that often feels increasingly divided, People & Places reminds us of what connects us: stories, culture, heritage, and compassion. Whether it’s a quiet village in the Arctic or a bustling city in Asia, each short film captures the extraordinary in the everyday, told with visual elegance and emotional honesty.

This revival is more than nostalgia; it’s a timely return to meaningful, soulful storytelling, perfect for a new generation of global viewers.

🗺️ From the Past to the Present: A Legacy Continues

Then:

• Early shorts like The Alaskan Eskimo, Siam, and The Blue Men of Morocco brought unfamiliar corners of the world into mid-century homes.

Now:

• Shorts like Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó showcase intergenerational love, modern identity, and intimate family life with powerful relatability.

Disney is dedicated to preserving the soul of the original while embracing the possibilities of modern documentary filmmaking.