DreamWorks' Forgotten Island Blends Filipino Folklore with Ghibli Influence
Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado's Forgotten Island follows best friends Jo and Raissa from 1990s Manila to a mythical island, with Studio Ghibli as a key influence.
DreamWorks Animation has unveiled details for Forgotten Island, a new animated feature directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. The film centers on best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, respectively.
The story begins in 1990s Manila and later moves to Nakali, a mythical island inspired by Filipino folklore. It marks the directors' third collaboration at DreamWorks Animation, following The Croods: A New Age and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Crawford and Mercado have cited Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki as influences. The film includes a third-act sequence in which Raissa sees Jo's memories, featuring a 40-second shot of Raissa running across a rooftop—the longest shot in the film.
The opening montage shows Jo and Raissa growing from children into young adults, set to INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart." An album of Mercado's childhood photos from the Philippines influenced the montage's look.
The creative team includes editor Jim Ryan, production designer Ryan Carlson, art director Chris Grun, and head of cinematography Scott Cullen. The news was first reported by Cartoon Brew.
Quick answers
Who directs Forgotten Island?
Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado direct the film. It is their third collaboration at DreamWorks Animation after The Croods: A New Age and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Who voices Jo and Raissa in Forgotten Island?
H.E.R. voices Jo and Liza Soberano voices Raissa.
What is Nakali in Forgotten Island?
Nakali is a mythical island in the film, inspired by Filipino folklore.