‘Forgotten Island’ Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado on How Their Film Honors the Women in Their Lives and Filipino Folklore

DreamWorks Animation directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado will debut their new film, “Forgotten Island,” on September 25. Attendees at the Annecy Animation Festival will receive an early screening and insights from the directors regarding the film's creation. Set in the 1990s, the movie features musical artist H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano in voice roles. The directors have stated that the film is a tribute to the women in their lives and draws inspiration from Filipino folklore. Crawford, who also directed “The Croods: A New Age,” and Mercado, a storyboard artist on “Kung Fu Panda 4,” aimed to incorporate elements of Filipino culture and mythology into the narrative. The story follows a group of characters who discover a hidden, mythical island, a concept deeply rooted in various Filipino legends. The directors emphasized the importance of representation and wanted to showcase the strength and resilience often found in female characters within Filipino storytelling traditions. They also highlighted the collaborative process with the voice cast, including H.E.R. and Soberano, to bring authenticity to their characters. The film's visual style is intended to reflect the vibrant and diverse landscapes of the Philippines, further immersing the audience in the cultural context.