Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, always longed to see a princess in Disney movies who resembled her, but never did until she encountered “Forgotten Island.” Released on September 25 by Dreamworks Animation, this film is a groundbreaking Hollywood animated feature that puts Filipino culture and mythology at its core. The storyline revolves around two childhood friends, Jo and Raissa, whose paths diverge as Raissa moves to the US for college while Jo remains in the Philippines.
Navigating the pain of separation, Jo and Raissa find themselves in Nakali, a fantasy realm inhabited by supernatural beings inspired by centuries-old Filipino folklore. The name “Nakali” is derived from the Tagalog term “nakalimutan,” meaning “forgotten.” Although the film draws from ancient tales, it offers a fresh interpretation rather than a direct adaptation.
Nakali serves as a portal into Filipino mythology, where Jo and Raissa encounter legendary creatures like the manananggal, a vampiric being that separates its upper body to fly at night, and the kapre, a dark forest-dwelling giant. For Serdon, who grew up hearing these stories, witnessing them come to life on screen was both thrilling and deeply personal.
The co-directors, Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, aimed to spotlight Filipino culture through this film. They wanted to showcase the rich mythology of the Philippines, which often remains untapped in mainstream media. Creatures in the movie, such as the weredog, serve as metaphors for the characters’ emotional struggles, reflecting themes of adolescence and identity.
In addition to the magical elements, “Forgotten Island” captures the essence of Filipino family life, portraying scenes of gatherings where relatives share food, jokes, and karaoke. Serdon, moved by the film’s authenticity, found a sense of connection to her own culture and upbringing, especially through the depiction of family dynamics and friendships.
The commitment to representation in the film extended behind the scenes, with a cast featuring prominent Filipino talents like H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, and Jo Koy. Snipple Animation, based in Manila, handled the 2D-animated flashbacks. The filmmakers aimed to involve Filipino artists in various aspects of production, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in storytelling.
As Serdon reflects on her childhood quest for relatable characters in media, she envisions a future where young Filipinos can readily see themselves on screen without searching extensively. “Forgotten Island” not only offers Filipino audiences a mirror to their culture but also paves the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in the future.