Filipino Canadian Tricia Serdon, who works as a marketing co-ordinator in Toronto, was raised on Disney movies but never found a princess who resembled her until she discovered “Forgotten Island.” Produced by Dreamworks Animation and launched on Sept. 25, the film stands out as the first major Hollywood animated feature to spotlight Filipino culture and mythology. The storyline revolves around childhood friends Jo and Raissa, whose paths diverge when Raissa moves to the U.S. for college while Jo remains in the Philippines.
In this tale, the friends grapple with separation and find themselves drawn into Nakali, a fantasy realm inhabited by supernatural beings inspired by Filipino folklore. “Nakali,” derived from the Tagalog word “nakalimutan,” meaning “forgotten,” serves as a gateway into a world where Jo and Raissa encounter ancient stories, creatures, and memories passed down through generations.
While the film draws on traditional Filipino folklore, it presents a reimagined setting rather than a direct adaptation. Creatures like the manananggal, a vampiric being that separates its upper body to fly at night, and the kapre, a dark, forest-dwelling giant, come to life on screen. Serdon, born in the Philippines, expressed her delight at seeing these familiar legends portrayed authentically in the movie.
Co-directed by Januel Mercado, a Filipino American, and Joel Crawford, the film aims to showcase the rich mythology of the Philippines. The characters’ emotional struggles are mirrored in the creatures, such as the weredog, symbolizing the challenges of adolescence and the quest for identity.
Apart from the fantastical elements, “Forgotten Island” captures the essence of Filipino family life, depicting scenes of gatherings with lively children, food abundance, and jovial banter among relatives. Serdon, deeply moved by the film’s portrayal of familial bonds and friendship, resonated with its themes of departure and longing for home.
The commitment to representation extends beyond the storyline to the voice cast, which features notable Filipino talents like H.E.R., Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. The film also includes flashbacks animated by Manila-based Snipple Animation, emphasizing the importance of Filipino contributions behind the scenes.
Overall, “Forgotten Island” not only offers Filipino audiences a chance to see their culture on a global platform but also paves the way for more diverse and authentic storytelling. Serdon hopes that future generations of Filipino children will find inspiration and representation in characters like Raissa and Jo, eliminating the need for an extensive search for relatable figures in media.