Disney is set to release their 59th animated feature film, according to the announcement on August 25, 2019 at D23 Expo. The film is titled Raya and the Last Dragon. At Sahtu Press, we have mixed feelings about the casting and the title. However, we’re all waiting anxiously to see how it all pans out because of its Southeast Asian influences.
The filmmakers said the story is inspired by Southeast Asian cultures, “both in its themes of community and hope, and in its design.” The story takes place in a realm called Kumandra, which is described as “a reimagined earth inhabited by an ancient civilization that venerated the mythical dragons for their power and their wisdom.” Kumandra’s five distinct clans (I hope Lao is one of them!) form the Land of the Dragon, but all the dragons have disappeared and Kumandra has since been invaded by a dark, sinister force.
The use of dragons is a bit odd because most of the Southeast Asian countries don’t use dragons. The Nagas, which are serpents, are revered as the protector of that region. I’m curious about the creators’ thought process in choosing a dragon as the source of wisdom and power in a story influenced by Southeast Asian culture. If they want to go all in on being inspired by Southeast Asian culture, I question this decision.
©2019 Disney Animation
Raya is a lone warrior on a quest to save her world, determined to find the last dragon, who she believes, has the power to save Kumandra. “In addition to being able to swing that sword like a 5-star badass, there is a winning charm about her,” said the film’s writer, Adele Lim.
“Footage shown at the presentation displayed a fierce Raya treading through a rainy forest, approaching an ancient temple, entering a dark passageway filled with dragon carvings—and being trailed by her narrating, flute-playing, presumably annoying little brother. The clip culminated in the siblings coming face to face with Sisu, a pink-and-teal dragon who also takes the form of a human,” (Entertainment Weekly).
Along their journey, Raya and Sisu encounter a band of misfits from each of Kumandra’s five clans, ultimately becoming a family and honoring, as Lim says, the film’s grand theme: “At its heart, our movie is about the transformative power of community and having hope even in the face of overwhelming darkness.”
The film is being directed by story artists Paul Briggs (Frozen) and Dean Wellins (Zootopia). Moana producer Osnat Shurer is overseeing the project and Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians movie) wrote the script.
Raya and the Last Dragon will arrive in theaters on November 2020. I can not wait to enjoy this movie!
I’m excited and touched by this clip of the director talking about his experience during a Lao Baci ceremony.