LOS ANGELES — In the lush canopies of Southeast Asia, a young orangutan named Indah embarks on the adventure of growing up, a journey at the heart of Disneynature’s latest film, “Orangutan.” Scheduled to premiere on Disney+ this April 22 in honor of Earth Day, the film offers an intimate look at Indah’s life.
The film’s production team dedicated nearly 650 days to capturing the essence of Indah’s world in the dense jungles of Borneo and Sumatra. This commitment resulted in around 700 hours of raw footage, meticulously condensed into an engaging 80-minute documentary.
On The Red Carpet had the opportunity to discuss the filmmaking process with Roy Conli, one of the producers behind “Orangutan.”
“Orangutans experience the longest childhood of any animal except humans,” Conli explained. “They can remain with their mothers for up to 13 years, a bond that closely mirrors human family connections. Showcasing such relationships is crucial to storytelling.”
To narrate Indah’s tale, Disneynature enlisted the familiar voice of Disney Legend Josh Gad.
Conli, who previously collaborated with Gad on “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” believed Gad’s vocal talent was ideal for a film that balances humor with emotional depth.
“Josh is stunning,” Conli said. “He has comic chops, he has dramatic chops, and he has a heart the size of Chicago.”
Conli explained that they wanted to choose someone who could deliver the lighthearted, comedic moments of a playful adolescent while also honoring the “passion and love” shared between the animals.
“When we saw this story, we knew that we needed someone who would be able to tell it in a comedic way, but also bring the depth that Josh delivers,” Conli added. “He’s just been magnificent to work with.”
Beyond the narration, the heart of the film lies in its message of conservation and the massive community effort required to capture it.
“I’m so proud of the team and Disney,” Conli said. “It’s important for people to understand that these creatures, to some degree, we’re responsible for. We need to help, and we need to always keep an eye on them.”
That mission was supported by 230 local residents in Southeast Asia, whose expertise Conli described as “absolutely essential.”
“These people know the territory,” Conli said. “To have these folks who are so ingrained in the location, the behavior, and the customs-you simply can’t make these films without local expertise and cooperation.”
Conli hopes families watch the film and walk away with a deeper connection to these animals. By focusing on the milestones of childhood, the film shows that growing up is a universal experience, even in the heart of the jungle.
“This is a story of a young orangutan who is finding her place in the world,” Conli said. “She is able to navigate the jungles of Sumatra, and in the end, we know that she’s going to be okay and she’s going to survive.”
“Orangutan” begins streaming on Disney+ this Earth Day, April 22.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disneynature, Disney+ and this ABC station.
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