Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, grew up watching Disney movies but never found a princess who resembled her until she encountered “Forgotten Island.” The film, a creation of Dreamworks Animation released on Sept. 25, stands out as the first major Hollywood animated feature to spotlight Filipino culture and mythology. It narrates the diverging paths of childhood friends Jo and Raissa, where Raissa heads to the U.S. for college, leaving Jo in the Philippines.
Navigating the pain of separation, the friends find themselves in Nakali, a fantasy realm inhabited by supernatural beings inspired by Filipino folklore. The name “Nakali” is derived from “nakalimutan,” which means “forgotten” in Tagalog. While drawing from ancient tales, the movie offers a fresh interpretation rather than a direct replica.
Nakali serves as a portal into Filipino mythology in the film, allowing Jo and Raissa to encounter stories, creatures, and memories passed down through generations. Creatures like the manananggal, a vampiric being that flies during the night, and the kapre, a large, bearded forest-dweller, come to life on screen, resonating deeply with Serdon, who grew up hearing such folklore.
Co-directed by Januel Mercado, a Filipino American, and Joel Crawford, the film aims to showcase the rich Filipino heritage. The characters’ emotional struggles are mirrored in the creatures, such as the weredog, symbolizing adolescence’s uncertainty and the quest for identity. The movie, which only scratches the surface of Filipino lore, encourages viewers to explore more Filipino narratives and inspires Filipino creators to share their perspectives globally.
Beyond mythology, “Forgotten Island” captures the essence of Filipino family life, portraying scenes of parties with karaoke, children playing, and relatives sharing jokes. Serdon, deeply moved by the film, resonates with the friendship dynamics and familial bonds depicted, reflecting on her own experiences growing up in the Philippines.
The commitment to representation extends to the voice cast, featuring Filipino talents like H.E.R., Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. Manila-based Snipple Animation contributes to the flashbacks, supporting the filmmakers’ goal of involving Filipino artists in the project.
Reflecting on her childhood quest for representation in Disney movies, Serdon hopes that future generations of Filipino children will find it easier to see themselves in media. “Forgotten Island” paves the way for more authentic storytelling and representation of Filipino culture, signaling a positive shift towards diverse narratives on screen.