Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, grew up watching Disney movies but never found a princess who resembled her until “Forgotten Island.” Describing it as a tribute to Filipinos, she praised the film for being the first major Hollywood animation to center on Filipino culture and mythology. Released by Dreamworks Animation on Sept. 25, the movie follows the journey of childhood friends Jo and Raissa as their paths diverge when Raissa heads to the U.S. for college while Jo remains in the Philippines.
The fantasy world of Nakali, where the characters find themselves, is inspired by Filipino folklore, introducing supernatural beings like the manananggal and kapre. These creatures, familiar to Serdon from her upbringing in the Philippines, were brought to life on screen with impressive accuracy, resonating deeply with her.
Co-directed by Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, the film aims to showcase the rich Filipino mythology. Crawford highlighted how the creatures symbolize the characters’ emotional struggles, with the weredog serving as a metaphor for adolescence and self-discovery.
In addition to its magical elements, the film portrays the essence of Filipino family life, capturing scenes of gatherings filled with laughter, food, and karaoke. Serdon, touched by the portrayal of familial bonds in the movie, felt a strong connection to her own experiences growing up in the Philippines.
Beyond the on-screen representation, “Forgotten Island” prioritized Filipino talent behind the scenes, featuring a stellar voice cast of Filipino artists and actors. The filmmakers hope the movie will inspire more Filipino stories to be shared globally and encourage diverse voices in the industry.
As Serdon reflects on her childhood quest for representation in media, she envisions a future where Filipino children can easily find characters they resonate with. “Forgotten Island” sets the stage not just for Filipino audiences to see themselves on screen but also for more diverse stories to be told without delay.
