Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, recalls growing up watching Disney films but never finding a princess who resembled her. However, that changed with the release of “Forgotten Island.” As a marketing co-ordinator in Toronto, Serdon describes the film as a heartfelt tribute to Filipinos.
Produced by Dreamworks Animation and launched on Sept. 25, “Forgotten Island” stands out as the first major Hollywood animated feature that centers on Filipino culture and mythology. The storyline follows childhood friends Jo and Raissa, whose lives take different paths when Raissa heads to the U.S. for college while Jo remains in the Philippines.
The movie introduces Nakali, a fantasy realm inhabited by supernatural beings inspired by centuries-old Filipino folklore. The term “Nakali” is derived from “nakalimutan,” Tagalog for “forgotten,” symbolizing the mystical world where Jo and Raissa navigate through tales, creatures, and memories passed down through generations.
Despite being based on ancient legends, Nakali is a reimagined setting rather than a direct adaptation from Filipino folklore. The film showcases creatures like the manananggal, a vampiric being that splits in half to fly at night, and the kapre, a dark, forest-dwelling giant.
For Serdon, a Philippines native, witnessing these mythical creatures come to life on screen was a poignant and personal experience. She praised the film for its accuracy in portraying these creatures, noting that it resonated deeply with her childhood stories.
Co-directed by Januel Mercado, a Filipino American, and Joel Crawford, “Forgotten Island” aims to spotlight Filipino culture. The filmmakers emphasize the creatures’ symbolic representation of emotional struggles, such as the weredog reflecting the challenges of adolescence and identity.
The film not only delves into Filipino mythology but also captures the essence of family life in the Philippines. Scenes depicting familial gatherings, karaoke sessions, and interactions among relatives offer a glimpse into Filipino culture beyond hardship, emphasizing humor, music, and food.
“Forgotten Island” boasts a voice cast rich with Filipino talent, including H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. The commitment to representation extends behind the scenes, with Manila-based Snipple Animation contributing to the 2D-animated flashbacks.
As the film resonates with audiences globally, it underscores the importance of authentic storytelling and representation. Serdon hopes that future generations of young Filipinos will see themselves reflected in media without the need for an extensive search, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive narratives to be shared.