Filipino Canadian Tricia Serdon, who works as a marketing coordinator in Toronto, had always hoped to see a princess in Disney movies who resembled her but never did until the release of “Forgotten Island.” The animated film, created by Dreamworks Animation and premiered on Sept. 25, is a groundbreaking work that places Filipino culture and mythology at its core, a first for a major Hollywood animated feature.
The storyline of “Forgotten Island” revolves around Jo and Raissa, childhood friends whose lives take different paths when Raissa leaves the Philippines for college in the U.S. while Jo remains in their homeland. They find themselves immersed in Nakali, a fantasy realm inhabited by supernatural beings inspired by Filipino folklore, with “Nakali” being a play on the Tagalog word “nakalimutan” meaning “forgotten.”
The film creatively reimagines well-known mythological creatures like the manananggal, a vampiric being that can separate its upper body to fly at night, and the kapre, a dark giant residing in the forest. The accurate portrayal of these creatures on screen resonated deeply with Serdon, who appreciated the attention to detail in bringing these folklore characters to life.
The co-directors, Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, long desired to showcase Filipino culture through a film, aiming to highlight the rich mythology of the Philippines. They used these mythical creatures as metaphors for the emotional struggles the characters face, such as the weredog symbolizing the uncertainties of adolescence and the quest for identity.
Apart from the magical elements, “Forgotten Island” also captures the essence of Filipino family life, as depicted in scenes showing traditional gatherings and interactions, providing a refreshing portrayal of Filipino culture filled with humor, music, and food.
The commitment to representation in the film extended to the voice cast, which includes prominent Filipino talents like H.E.R., Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. The filmmakers aimed to involve Filipino artists both on and off-screen to ensure an authentic representation of Filipino culture.
Looking back on her childhood yearning for a relatable Disney princess, Serdon hopes that the next generation of Filipino children will find inspiration in characters like Raissa and Jo from “Forgotten Island.” The film signifies a step forward in representing Filipino culture in mainstream media and paves the way for more diverse and authentic storytelling in the future.