Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, directors of "The Island of Memories": "It was about breaking the conventions of how female characters are written"

The recent DreamWorks Animation film, "L’Ile des souvenirs," showcases the friendship of its protagonists Jo and Raissa, reflecting the personal connection of its directors, Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado. Their collaboration began with "Kung Fu Panda 2" and continues to explore cultural themes, particularly Filipino culture, which is significant to both directors. Mercado, being Filipino-American, emphasizes the importance of representing their heritage in animation. The success of culturally rich stories, like "KPop Demon Hunters," has encouraged studios to embrace diverse narratives, recognizing their potential for success.