Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian, was raised on Disney films but never found a princess who resembled her until “Forgotten Island” came along. The movie, released on Sept. 25 by Dreamworks Animation, is groundbreaking as it showcases Filipino culture and mythology. The storyline follows childhood friends Jo and Raissa, with Raissa leaving the Philippines for college in the U.S. while Jo stays behind.
In the fantasy world of Nakali, where supernatural beings from Filipino folklore exist, Jo and Raissa navigate their separation. The name “Nakali” is derived from “nakalimutan,” meaning “forgotten” in Tagalog. The film creatively reimagines these ancient tales rather than directly adapting them.
Serdon, being of Filipino descent, grew up hearing about creatures like the manananggal and kapre, which are brought to life in the movie. She expressed admiration for the film’s accuracy in portraying these folklore elements. Co-directors Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford aimed to spotlight Filipino culture, drawing from the country’s rich mythology.
The creatures in the film serve as metaphors for the characters’ emotional journeys, such as the weredog symbolizing the struggle with identity during adolescence. Despite only scratching the surface of Filipino lore, the filmmakers hope to inspire more exploration of Filipino stories.
Aside from the magical elements, the film captures the essence of Filipino family life, showcasing scenes like parties with karaoke and familial bonding. The movie’s commitment to representation extends to its voice cast, which includes prominent Filipino talents like H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Lea Salonga.
The directors emphasize the importance of authentic representation both on and off-screen, with the hope that future generations of Filipinos will see themselves reflected in media without difficulty. “Forgotten Island” paves the way for more Filipino stories to be shared and celebrated globally.