Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, was brought up on Disney films but never saw a princess resembling herself until she encountered “Forgotten Island.” The movie, a Dreamworks Animation production released on September 25, stands out as the first major Hollywood animated feature centered on Filipino culture and mythology. It tells the story of childhood friends Jo and Raissa, whose paths diverge as Raissa pursues education in the U.S. while Jo stays in the Philippines.
“Nakali,” a fantasy realm in the film, introduces Jo and Raissa to supernatural beings inspired by centuries-old Filipino folklore. The creatures, such as the manananggal and kapre, are deeply rooted in Filipino mythology. Serdon, hailing from the Philippines, found the portrayal of these creatures on screen to be remarkably accurate and personally significant.
The film’s co-directors, Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, had long aspired to showcase Filipino culture in a movie. They emphasize that the creatures in the film symbolize emotional struggles, with the weredog, for instance, representing the quest for identity in adolescence. The filmmakers intentionally delved into a rich but lesser-known Filipino mythology, aiming to spark interest in more Filipino narratives.
In addition to the magical elements, “Forgotten Island” captures the essence of Filipino family life, portraying scenes like lively parties and the bonds within extended families. The movie resonated deeply with Serdon, evoking memories of her own experiences and connections with friends from the Philippines.
The commitment to representation extended off-screen as well, with a cast featuring prominent Filipino talents like H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, and Jo Koy. The filmmakers aimed to involve Filipino artists in various aspects of the production to ensure authenticity.
Reflecting on her childhood yearning for representation in Disney movies, Serdon hopes that future generations of young Filipinos won’t face the same struggle. “Forgotten Island” not only offers Filipino audiences a chance to see themselves on screen but also paves the way for more Filipino stories to be told without delay.