When executive producers at Pixar first began to develop the framework for their classic computer-animated film, Coco, they traveled to Central America to study some of the cultural intricacies of Mexico, such as Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), artwork by Frida Kahlo, Regional Mexican music and more. Many of Pixar's producers remained in Mexico for a short term and lived with various families in order to gain inspiration for the main characters in their film. As the producers from Pixar made their way through the state of Michoacán, they were befriended by a Grandmother named María Salud Ramírez Caballero and her family in a town called Santa Fe de la Laguna. The ceramic potter was charming, genuine, personable, and admired by those around her. When Pixar noticed how well-regarded she was by her family, friends, and neighbors, they knew they had found the right person on whom they could base the character of Mamá Coco for their upcoming film. Therefore, in order properly depict Mariá as an animated character, Pixar conducted a photo shoot with the mother of three in various areas of her hometown.
Upon the release of Coco in 2017, the movie would go on to become an award-winning, generation-defining production that highlighted Mexican culture in the mainstream/English -speaking market while also blazing a trail in the animated film industry for similar POC projects in the future. Meanwhile, back in the town of Santa Fe de la Laguna, María Salud Ramírez Caballero became a celebrity who received fanfare and spirited visits from adoring fans from all across the globe as her house became a tourist attraction. María passed away on Monday at the age of 109. She leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. María's contribution to Coco still has not been recognized officially by Pixar.
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Source: MSN
