For Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado, bringing a story inspired by Filipino culture to a global audience means finally giving Filipino stories the spotlight.
Speaking during the “Tayo Na!” tour for DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” in Manila, Mercado said he hopes the film will also inspire a new generation of Filipino storytellers.
READ: DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ brings Filipino-inspired story home | ‘Uy, Philippines!’: ‘Forgotten Island’ stars, filmmakers celebrate Filipino pride during Manila tour
“It is everything for everyone to finally see and hear our stories,” Mercado said.
Mercado, who co-wrote and co-directed the animated film with Joel Crawford, said they wanted to tell a story that felt personal while opening doors for other artists.
“Joel and I wanted to tell something more personal and more importantly we wanted to make sure we open the portals for all the future storytellers and filmmakers, and artists out there. You’re seen and we wanna hear your stories.”
“Forgotten Island” follows best friends Jo and Raissa, who are transported to the fantastical island of Nakali, where they encounter magical and mythological creatures rooted in the Filipino stories they grew up hearing from their families.
The film, distributed by Universal Pictures, is written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Crawford and Mercado, the filmmaking team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
It stars H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa and is set to open in Philippine cinemas on September 23.
READ: ‘So so so honored’: Liza Soberano expresses gratitude for role in DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ | Pinoys cheer ‘queer’ representation through Jo in ‘Forgotten Island’ | WATCH: BINI surprises fans with ‘Forgotten Island’ soundtrack reveal at ‘Signals’ tour kickoff
