The inspiration of and appreciation for Walt Disney knows no boundaries. The Membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum certainly reflects this diversity. Each month, we introduce you to one of our Members, so you can see the varied and frequently fascinating people who have come together to learn and experience more about the life, work, philosophies, and ideals of Walt Disney. This month, we’d like you to meet one of our most far-away Members, Pedro Cherem.
Pedro Cherem lives in Florianopolis, capital of Santa Catarina State, a wonderful island situated in south of Brazil, where he has an Ad Agency named Mercado Propaganda. In the 80s, before Mercado, he had a cartoon studio called Grapht, in Brazil, where he created advertising films using cel animation. When the animation business changed to computers, Pedro changed his art to advertising, and stopped animating. But the passion for animation—and Walt Disney—that Pedro has had since childhood remained the same, and now he studies Walt’s life, work, and animation as a hobby. Recently, our WDFM Membership Coordinator Pam Spedus sat down and had a brief conversation with Pedro about Walt, the Museum, and Membership.
PAM: Why did you become a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum?
PEDRO: I had seen news about the Museum when it was under construction. Months after the opening, I was planning a trip to California with my family, so I became Member—and we had a very wonderful time!
What do you find the most enjoyable about your membership?
I love all things about Walt Disney, and taking part in the Disney organization is very important to me. All the content, the news, and the contact with the Museum is a very nice connection for me.
What do you enjoy most about the Museum?
The building is wonderful. The architecture, the objects, the exhibits—there are fascinating things at the Museum.
How does Walt Disney inspire you?
Nowadays, the world is talking about innovation. Can you think how “up-to-date” Walt stillis? He was the Innovation Man!
What was your first Disney inspiration or memory?
My father went to Disneyland in 1979, and sent to me a postcard with Walt and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. My father wrote: “See your idol, son?!” When he came back to Brazil, he brought me books, toys and a lot of nice pictures and Super 8 home movies, a camera and a projector (in those days we didn’t have video players). From that day, I saw Walt Disney with new bright eyes.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
Walt is alive in me. I have a statue of Walt and Mickey on my worktable, and he inspires me every day. I think it is very important to have someone who inspires you. Your life can be easier.
Membership in The Walt Disney Family Museum has many benefits, including admission, complimentary film tickets, a quarterly newsletter, and a membership card that grants a 10% discount in the Museum Store—as well as discounts on selected educational and public programs. In addition, several times a year, special events for Members only are held within the Museum itself. You can purchase immediate membership at the Reception and Member Services Desk at the Museum during regular operating hours (Wednesday through Monday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM), or online by clicking here.