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DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island' Redefines Animation
15 Apr
Summary
- Film blends anime, 90s street art, and Filipino mythology.
- Narrative structure moves forward and backward simultaneously.
- Features groundbreaking 2D animation unseen for decades.

DreamWorks Animation is ushering in a new era with "Forgotten Island," an original film penned and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. This upcoming movie, set for release at the end of September, was previewed at CinemaCon, demonstrating the studio's confidence. The film embraces a unique aesthetic, merging anime, 1990s street art, and the vibrant culture of the Philippines.
"Forgotten Island" tells the story of two best friends, Jo and Raissa, on an adventure to a mythical island. The narrative boldly moves forward and backward in time, as the characters piece together events that transpired over 12 hours. This complex structure enhances the film's themes of memory and forging one's path.
The movie also stands out for its significant use of 2D animation, a technique DreamWorks has largely moved away from. This visual approach, combined with its daring storytelling and exploration of themes like remembrance, positions "Forgotten Island" as a potential breakthrough for the studio, honoring its past while promising an innovative future.