No one could have ever imagined that there would be a sequel to Finding Nemo. And yet, 13 years after the film’s release, we are getting one. But Finding Dory isn’t exactly the kind of film you’d expect to see, especially in a sequel. If anything, the film can stand on its own, and you don’t even need to watch Nemo to know what is going on in Dory. In it, we see that Dory is able to recall a once long-lost memory of her parents, and sets out on a journey with Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence). Together, they swim across the Pacific to an aquarium sanctuary, where Dory meets some old friends and makes some new ones too. But there is a real heartfelt message that may hit close to home for some. Remember, Dory suffers from short-term memory loss, and she sees that as a debilitating weight that can frustrate and worry those around her. But her optimism and upbeat personality, plus living by the “just keep swimming” mantra, gives her the spirit she needs to carry on and look for new ways to do things in her own way.

We were recently invited to sit down with a group of journalists to talk the to cast and directors of the film to talk about that message and how it really isn’t meant for one specific group of people but something that is more universal.

Check out what they had to say after the jump.

Finding Dory
Director: Andrew Stanton
Screenwriter: Andrew Stanton and Victoria Strouse
Cast: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Kaitlin Olsen, and Ed O’Neill
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Rated PG | 103 Minutes
Release Date: June 17th, 2016

Sequels are no longer a rarity over at Pixar. While most of their films do not necessarily warrant one, they have proven that they do not make sequels just to cash in. It’s through years (approximately four) of research and perfecting the script that they can give us something that is more than satisfying than we could ever expect. So imagine our surprise when it was announced that Pixar would be following up Finding Nemo, 13 years later no less, with Finding Dory, a heartwarming and touching film that has a truly powerful message.

Our full review below (spoilers!).