Filipino Canadian Tricia Serdon, residing in Toronto as a marketing co-ordinator, had long desired to see a Disney princess resembling her in movies. The introduction of “Forgotten Island” fulfilled this wish for her. The film, a creation of Dreamworks Animation launched on September 25, stands out as the first significant Hollywood animated feature spotlighting Filipino culture and mythology. It narrates the tale of childhood friends Jo and Raissa, whose lives take different paths as Raissa leaves the Philippines for college in the U.S. while Jo remains in their homeland.
Navigating through the pain of separation, Jo and Raissa find themselves in Nakali, a mystical realm inhabited by supernatural beings inspired by Philippine folklore passed down through generations. The name “Nakali” is a clever wordplay on “nakalimutan,” Tagalog for “forgotten.” Although drawing inspiration from ancient stories, Nakali is a fresh interpretation rather than a direct adaptation.
One of the film’s highlights is the portrayal of mythical creatures like the manananggal, a flying vampiric being, and the kapre, a dark forest-dwelling giant. Serdon, being of Filipino descent, felt a deep connection seeing these creatures come to life on screen, appreciating the accuracy in their depiction.
The co-directors, Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, had long aspired to showcase Filipino culture in a film. Delving into the rich Filipino mythology was a choice they made to bring forth a narrative seldom explored in mainstream media. The creatures in the film serve as metaphors for the characters’ emotional journeys, such as the weredog symbolizing the struggles of adolescence and identity.
Apart from the fantastical elements, “Forgotten Island” captures the essence of Filipino family life. Scenes portraying family gatherings and interactions resonate with many viewers, offering a glimpse into the cultural norms beyond the magical storyline. The film’s commitment to representation extends off-screen as well, with a cast featuring prominent Filipino talents and Manila-based Snipple Animation contributing to the flashbacks.
Looking beyond the entertainment value, the film aims to inspire audiences to seek more Filipino narratives and encourage Filipino creators to share their perspectives globally. By weaving cultural authenticity into the storytelling, “Forgotten Island” hopes to pave the way for more diverse and inclusive narratives in the future.