PH Representation in Hollywood: 5 Reasons to Watch ‘Forgotten Island’

We’re all hyped up for Forgotten Island!

Imagine seeing Filipino culture and mythology fully represented in a full-length animated film by an American animation studio, with characters inspired by our lolas, kapitbahays, and kaibigans. Of course, we’re seated for it.

As the first major Hollywood feature-length animated film centered on Filipino culture and mythology, DreamWorks‘ Forgotten Island brings viewers to the Philippines in the 1990s. The story follows childhood friends Jo and Raissa, who find themselves trapped in the mystical world of Nakali—a place that slowly feeds on the memories of those within it. To escape, the two must find their way out before they forget each other.

Since the film was announced, Forgotten Island has sparked excitement among Filipino and international audiences alike. The anticipation grew even more with the announcement of its star-studded voice cast, which includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.

Following a special screening, METRO rounds up five reasons why Forgotten Island is a must-watch.

One of the best things Forgotten Island offers is its heartfelt story of friendship between childhood best friends Jo and Raissa. Honestly, if we had seen this film as a kid, it would have made many of us dream even more of having a friend like Jo or Raissa, someone who could become a meaningful part of our lives and grow alongside us.

Although the two are portrayed as complete opposites, their shared interests and similarities make their friendship feel warm and genuine. Their bond takes us on an extraordinary adventure to the mystical Nakali Island in the Philippines, while reminding us of the kind of friendship that can stay with us through different chapters of our lives.

Adding another layer to their characters are the voices of H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, who fit Jo and Raissa remarkably well. Their performances bring out the personalities of the two characters while giving them a distinct Filipino identity, an important part of what makes Forgotten Island stand out.

For an animated film, one of the things audiences naturally look forward to the most is its animation—the visuals that bring the story to life. In Forgotten Island, the animation truly shines, especially during the characters’ journey through Nakali Island.

The film embraces loud, vibrant, and popping colors, but never makes them feel overwhelming. Instead, each color complements the story, characters, and overall visual direction, creating a style that feels fitting for the film.

The animation style became a hot topic online when the teaser was first released, but after watching the film, I personally found that the visual style works perfectly for Forgotten Island. It has its own distinct identity, and I honestly couldn’t imagine another animation style fitting the film better.

How can a Filipino-inspired film feel complete without the music and voices that make it truly Filipino?

From Lea Salonga to BINI, Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE, and SB19, the voices and music featured in Forgotten Island help create the film’s distinct Filipino atmosphere. More than simply adding to the soundtrack, the music elevates the film’s biggest moments, making each emotional climax feel even more impactful.

What makes the film’s music even more special is the effort behind its score. According to ABS-CBN News, composer David travelled throughout the Philippines to research different indigenous musical traditions, including spending time in the Cordillera and Kalinga regions and with the T’boli people in Lake Sebu. He also recorded the Bamboo Organ, a 19th-century church pipe organ made with bamboo, in Las Piñas.

And honestly, all that effort pays off. From the opening scenes to the final frame, the music of Forgotten Island captures the feeling of Filipino culture and shows just how deeply music is woven into our identity.

The casting for Hollywood’s first-ever film centered on Filipino culture and mythology could not have been more fitting. The film brings together some of the Philippines’ most celebrated names, including Liza Soberano, one of the country’s most iconic actresses of the 2010s; Grammy-winning Filipino-American artist H.E.R.; and theater icon Lea Salonga, who recently made history as the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Joining them are Filipino talents who have made their mark on the international stage, including Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. Rounding out the ensemble are acclaimed American actors Ronny Chieng, David John Franco, and Jenny Slate, bringing together a cast that reflects both Hollywood and Filipino talent.

With a proudly Filipino cast alongside international actors who embrace the culture, the film promises to put Filipino identity at the heart of the story. Beyond showcasing the beauty and mythology of the Philippines, audiences can also look forward to hearing Filipino voices and seeing the culture represented throughout the film.

From the belt bags and karaoke sessions to the lechon and, most notably, the portrait of Jesus at the center of the celebration, every detail in Forgotten Island feels thoughtfully placed to capture the nuances of Filipino culture. These familiar elements add a sense of authenticity to the film, making its portrayal of the Philippines feel more recognizable and personal to Filipino audiences.

While the film’s portrayal of the Filipino accent has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, it also reflects another distinct part of Filipino identity. For many Filipinos, hearing the accent represented on such a global platform makes the experience all the more familiar, even as audiences continue to discuss how it was portrayed.

Most of all, seeing Filipino culture and mythology brought to life in a full-length animated film backed by a Hollywood production feels like a significant moment for representation. Forgotten Island not only introduces Filipino stories and traditions to a global audience but also leaves viewers hoping that it marks the beginning of many more opportunities for Filipino culture and mythology to take center stage worldwide.

Lead photos from Universal Pictures via YouTube