From Treetop Adventures to Screen: Crafting Disneynature’s ‘Orangutan’ with Roy Conli and Josh Gad

A Story Emerges from the Canopy (Image Credits: Unsplash)

As Disneynature’s “Orangutan” premieres on Disney+ to mark Earth Day, viewers gain an intimate glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures high in Southeast Asia’s rainforest canopy. The documentary centers on Indah, an inquisitive adolescent orangutan facing the trials of growing up and venturing out alone. Producer Roy Conli detailed the meticulous process of transforming vast hours of raw jungle footage into a poignant story of survival and resilience.[1][2]

A Story Emerges from the Canopy

Filmmakers spent nearly 650 days embedded in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, capturing the daily rhythms of orangutan families. This exhaustive effort produced around 700 hours of footage, which the team distilled into an 80-minute feature packed with emotional depth.[1] Roy Conli highlighted the unique bond that guided their narrative choice. Orangutans boast the longest childhood among animals, aside from humans, often remaining with their mothers for up to 13 years.

Conli noted this parallel to human experiences made the story relatable. “Orangutans have the longest childhood of any animal besides humans. They will stay with their family, with their mother for sometimes up to 13 years, which is so similar to us,” he said. “Finding that kind of connection with an animal is so very important to telling the story.”[1] Indah’s journey became the focal point, as she learned to navigate her world and secure her future.

Teaming Up with Josh Gad for Heart and Humor

Selecting the right voice proved crucial for conveying the film’s mix of whimsy and gravity. Directors Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield, along with producers Roy Conli, Mark Linfield, and Berlowitz, turned to Josh Gad, whose prior collaboration with Conli on “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” showcased his versatility.[2] Gad’s narration brings both laughter and pathos to Indah’s adventures.

Conli praised Gad’s range effusively. “Josh is stunning. He has comic chops, he has dramatic chops, and he has a heart the size of Chicago,” the producer shared. He emphasized the need for a narrator who could balance levity with emotional weight: “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. He’s just been magnificent to work with.”[1] This partnership elevated the documentary’s appeal, making complex wildlife behaviors accessible and engaging.

Filming Challenges and Local Expertise

Production demanded endurance in remote, demanding environments. Crews employed 230 local residents from Southeast Asia, whose intimate knowledge of the terrain and wildlife proved indispensable.[1][3] These collaborators handled logistics, tracking, and cultural nuances, ensuring respectful and effective filming.

Conli underscored their role: “These people know the territory. 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.” The result captured authentic moments, from playful interactions to survival feats, all while minimizing disturbance to the habitat.[1]

Remarkable Traits of These Tree-Dwellers

Orangutans revealed their ingenuity throughout production, showcasing behaviors that fascinated the crew. As the largest arboreal mammals, adult males reach 5.5 feet tall and over 200 pounds, with arms 1.5 times longer than a human’s.[3] In Sumatra, they rarely descend from trees, unlike their Borneo counterparts who venture down more freely due to fewer predators.

• They master over 30 tools, including sticks for honey and insects, leaf gloves for spiny plants, and leaf sponges for water.
• Orangutans apply chewed medicinal plants to wounds, demonstrating innate healing knowledge.
• Sumatran orangutans stay airborne almost entirely, highlighting their adaptation to the canopy life.
• The film spotlights Indah’s tool use and problem-solving as she matures.

These insights, drawn from close observation, enrich the documentary’s educational value.[3]

A Call to Protect the Rainforest Realm

Beyond entertainment, “Orangutan” carries a urgent conservation message. Conli expressed pride in Disney’s commitment: “I’m so proud of the team and Disney. 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.”[1] The film arrives at a critical time, raising awareness about threats to these habitats.

Indah’s tale reminds audiences of nature’s fragility and beauty. As she finds her place amid the treetops, the documentary inspires action. What steps will you take to support rainforest conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments.