Filipino-Canadian Tricia Serdon grew up watching Disney movies, hoping to find a princess who resembled her, but never did. However, that changed with the release of “Forgotten Island.”
Serdon, a marketing co-ordinator in Toronto, describes the film as a tribute to Filipinos. Produced by Dreamworks Animation and launched on Sept. 25, “Forgotten Island” is the first major Hollywood animated feature that centers on Filipino culture and mythology. The storyline follows two childhood friends, Jo and Raissa, whose paths diverge when Raissa moves to the U.S. for college while Jo stays in the Philippines.
In this fantasy world called Nakali, the friends grapple with the pain of separation and encounter supernatural beings inspired by Filipino folklore. These include the manananggal, a vampiric creature that splits in half and flies at night, and the kapre, a dark giant living in the forest. The term “Nakali” is a play on the Tagalog word “nakalimutan,” meaning “forgotten.”
The co-directors, Januel Mercado (Filipino-American) and Joel Crawford, aimed to showcase Filipino culture through rich mythology. Despite being inspired by ancient tales, the film creatively reimagines the folklore rather than directly adapting it. Serdon, born in the Philippines, was thrilled to see these mythical creatures brought to life on screen, finding the portrayal accurate and deeply personal.
Crawford emphasizes that the creatures in the film symbolize the characters’ emotional struggles, with the weredog serving as an example. The weredog, a mythical creature transforming from human to a fierce dog, is a metaphor for adolescence and identity search.
In addition to the magical elements, “Forgotten Island” captures the essence of Filipino family life, depicting scenes of family gatherings, karaoke sessions, and humorous interactions among relatives. Serdon felt a strong sense of connection with the film’s depiction of friendship and family dynamics, resonating with her own experiences growing up in the Philippines.
The commitment to representation extends beyond the screen, with a voice cast featuring prominent Filipino talents such as singers H.E.R. and Lea Salonga, along with actors Manny Jacinto and comedian Jo Koy. Manila-based Snipple Animation contributed to the 2D-animated flashbacks in the film.
The filmmakers hope that “Forgotten Island” will inspire audiences to explore more Filipino stories and encourage Filipino creators to share their interpretations globally. The film not only offers Filipino audiences a chance to see themselves represented but also paves the way for future Filipino stories to be told without delay.
Serdon envisions a future where young Filipinos can easily find characters they relate to, like Raissa and Jo from “Forgotten Island,” or even the manananggal for a more villainous costume choice. The film’s legacy lies in the potential for Filipino narratives to be more readily accessible and celebrated.