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Filipino American director Januel Mercado, Philippine animators and musicians are among the creative contributors to DreamWorks’ new adventure
MANILA — The making of DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island extended its Filipino influences beyond the voice cast, drawing on a Philippine animation studio, a Filipino American composer and cultural details rooted in family gatherings.
Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino American filmmaker Januel Mercado, the movie follows Jo and Raissa, lifelong friends voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano. As they prepare to take separate paths after high school, the two stumble through a mysterious portal into Nakali, an island populated by magical and mythological creatures from stories told by their Filipino families.
Their journey carries an unusual price. According to DreamWorks, returning home could require Jo and Raissa to surrender the memories of their friendship.
The production also drew on Filipino talent in its animation. Crawford credited Quezon City-based Snipple Animation Studios with contributing 2D animation work, including sequences influenced by anime. Snipple’s official site also highlights its work on the project.
Mercado has described Raissa’s despedida, or farewell party, as one of the film’s most personal sequences. During the filmmakers’ Manila promotional visit, he said the scene incorporated familiar elements of Filipino family gatherings, including food, conversation, teasing and hospitality. He also said the production team paid close attention to the appearance of Filipino dishes, including lechon.
Lea Salonga voices the Dreaded Manananggal. The cast also includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate and Ronny Chieng.
Filipino American composer Nathan Matthew David wrote the score. The soundtrack also features BINI, SB19 and Salonga. The soundtrack extends Filipino participation into the film’s music, with artists contributing songs alongside David’s score.
Crawford, Mercado and producer Mark Swift previously worked together on DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Forgotten Island opens in Philippine cinemas Sept. 23 and in U.S. theaters Sept. 25.
