Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, grew up watching Disney movies but never found a princess who resembled her. However, this changed with the release of “Forgotten Island.” The film, by Dreamworks Animation and launched on Sept. 25, is the first major Hollywood animated feature to focus on Filipino culture and mythology. It revolves around childhood friends Jo and Raissa, who take different paths as Raissa moves to the U.S. for college while Jo stays in the Philippines.
As the story unfolds, the friends enter Nakali, a fantastical world based on Filipino folklore, where they encounter supernatural beings like the manananggal and the kapre. These mythical creatures are brought to life on screen in a creative reinterpretation of traditional tales.
The co-directors, Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, have long desired to showcase Filipino culture in a film. They aimed to highlight the rich mythology of the Philippines, using creatures as metaphors for emotional struggles and identity quests. The weredog in the movie symbolizes the uncertainties of growing up and the journey to self-discovery.
In addition to the magical elements, the film also captures the essence of Filipino family life, portraying scenes of lively parties and familial interactions. Many viewers appreciate this representation of Filipino culture, emphasizing humor, music, and food rather than focusing solely on hardships.
“Forgotten Island” not only celebrates Filipino culture on screen but also in its production. The voice cast includes prominent Filipino talents, and the animation team from Manila further emphasizes Filipino involvement. The filmmakers hope to inspire more Filipino stories and talents to reach a global audience.
Tricia Serdon, reflecting on her own childhood, hopes that future generations of Filipino children will see themselves represented in media without struggle. “Forgotten Island” paves the way for more diverse storytelling and representation, encouraging a broader spectrum of Filipino narratives to be shared with the world.