Tricia Serdon, a Filipino Canadian raised in Toronto, longed to see a Disney princess resembling herself in movies during her childhood. However, this changed when she encountered “Forgotten Island.” Serdon, a marketing co-ordinator, described the film as a tribute to Filipinos. Released by Dreamworks Animation on September 25, it marks the first major Hollywood animated feature that delves into Filipino culture and mythology. The storyline revolves around childhood friends Jo and Raissa, who take different paths as Raissa heads to the U.S. for college while Jo remains in the Philippines.
Nakali, a fantasy world in the movie, introduces supernatural beings based on traditional Filipino folklore, such as the manananggal and kapre. These creatures, brought to life on screen, resonated deeply with Serdon, who found the portrayal accurate and impressive. The film’s co-directors, Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, aimed to showcase Filipino culture’s rich mythology, using creatures as metaphors for emotional struggles.
Aside from magical elements, “Forgotten Island” showcases the familiar dynamics of Filipino family life, depicted through scenes like a lively party and heartfelt interactions between characters. Serdon, touched by the film’s authenticity, emphasized the importance of cultural representation for audiences worldwide.
The commitment to representation extended behind the scenes, with a cast featuring notable Filipino talents and Manila-based Snipple Animation contributing to the flashbacks. The filmmakers hope the movie inspires more Filipino stories and creators to reach global audiences. Serdon, reflecting on her childhood yearning for relatable characters, envisions a future where Filipino narratives are readily accessible, paving the way for diverse representations on screen.