Forgotten Island Directors Discuss Women and Filipino Folklore
Originally published Jun 18, 2026
By Jazztangcay · Variety
AI-generated summary based on Variety · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jun 18, 2026
Key points
- DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island' will debut in theaters on Sept. 25.
- The film will be previewed at the Annecy Animation Festival.
- Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado drew inspiration from Filipino folklore and the women in their lives.
- The film is set in the 1990s and features music from H.E.R. and Liza.
- Crawford and Mercado highlighted the cultural and personal significance of the film.
DreamWorks Animation directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado are set to release their new film, 'Forgotten Island,' on Sept. 25. The film, which will be previewed at the Annecy Animation Festival, is inspired by the women in the directors' lives and incorporates elements of Filipino folklore. Crawford and Mercado shared insights into the creative process behind the film and its cultural significance. Set in the 1990s, the film features music from H.E.R. and Liza. The directors emphasized the importance of honoring their heritage and the influence of strong female figures in shaping the story and characters.
Read the original story: Variety — by Jazztangcay