The first image from Pixar’s latest short film Lava

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Although 2014 will be the first year (since 2005) without a new feature film release from Pixar, the studio is hard at work making sure 2015 is a memorable year for animation. THE GOOD DINOSAUR was set for May 2014 before creative struggles put the kibosh on that until November 25, 2014. So now we have that and the fantastic looking INSIDE OUT opening next summer to look forward to; and in great Pixar tradition, a new short film.

Here’s the official synopsis for LAVA:

Inspired by the isolated beauty of tropical islands and the explosive allure of ocean volcanoes, “LAVA” is a musical love story that takes place over millions of years.

The love story LAVA revolves around two anthropomorphic volcanoes, and the first image was released today teasing the lead character of Uku. As far as animated volcanos go, this one is pretty darn adorable. According to the LA Times, director James Ford Murphy, who has worked with Pixar’s animation department since A BUG'S LIFE, got the idea for the seven-minute short while honeymooning on Hawaii's Big Island more than 20 years ago.

Check out the first image from LAVA (click for high-resolution):

The always unique shorts from Pixar are a pleasure to look forward watch before their feature presentation. My personal favorite is still DAY & NIGHT which played before TOY STORY 3. LAVA will premiere at the Hiroshima International Animation Festival in Japan in August and will play in front of INSIDE OUT starring Bill Hader and Amy Poehler on June 19, 2015.