First Look: Pixar Short 'Lava' Introduces An Anthropomorphic Volcano

In the wonderful world of Pixar, romance isn't just for human beings or even animals. It's also for dolls, cars, robots, and umbrellas — and now it's for gigantic landforms as well.

The latest Pixar short Lava centers around two volcanos who fall in love. And why not? Once you get a peek at Uku's adorable mug, you might find yourself feeling some affection for this big hunk of rock, too. Get your first look at Lava after the jump.

The seven-minute musical follows the love story that develops between mountains Uku and Lele (get it?). Lonely Uku sings every day about wanting someone to "lava," and over time (lots and lots of time, like millions of years of time) geology finally grants his wish.

In an interview, director James Ford Murphy explained his unusual choice of characters. "I thought it would be so cool to fall in love with a place who's also a character," he said. He also revealed that he'd become attracted to Hawaiian music and culture while watching Elvis movies as a child, and that he'd gotten the idea for Lava from his own honeymoon in Hawaii.

Murphy had a specific vision in mind for Uku. "I wanted to make Uku appealing and likable but also look like he's been carved out of lava flows," he said. Uku's wistful tune was written by Murphy himself, who had to learn to play the ukelele, and performed by Kuana Torres Kahele and Napua Greig.

Lava will hit cinemas June 19, 2015.