DreamWorks Animation is set to launch a daring new venture on September 25, when Forgotten Island hits theaters worldwide. The film follows lifelong friends Jo and Raizza as they stumble upon a strange portal that whisks them away to Nakali, an enchanted island drawn directly from Filipino mythology. Rather than merely sprinkling exotic creatures into a generic fantasy, the directors have woven the island’s folklore into the narrative fabric, allowing both Filipino viewers and newcomers to feel an immediate connection.
Story, setting and the power of memory
At its core, the plot is a tale of friendship tested by memory loss. Jo (voiced by the Grammy-winning artist H.E.R.) and Raixa (voiced by Liza Soberano) are on the cusp of diverging paths after high school, when the portal thrusts them into Nakali. The island itself is a living repository of myths: diwata nature spirits, towering kapre trees, and the dreaded manananggal—a vampire-like creature that detaches its torso to fly. As the island feeds on their recollections, the duo must rely on one another to survive, turning the adventure into a meditation on memory, identity, and cultural heritage.
Filipino talent lights up the voice cast
The production boasts an all-Star-studded lineup that deliberately highlights Filipino voices. Lea Salonga, a Tony-award winner, lends her iconic tone to the Manananggal, while Liza Soberano and H.E.R. anchor the central friendship. Supporting roles feature actors such as Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Cheng, reinforcing an authentic representation on screen. An amusing casting anecdote emerged during development: Soberano originally auditioned for Jo, but the directors felt her energy matched Raissa’s spirit better, prompting a role swap that ultimately enriched the film’s chemistry.
Production choices rooted in cultural authenticity
Co-directors Joel Crawford and Filipino-American Januel Mercado emphasized that folklore must be more than visual garnish. They consulted with cultural advisors, integrated Tagalog phrases, and even asked cast members for feedback on specific references—such as the use of a lechón baboy roast, jeepney motifs, and the ubiquitous household petroleum-jelly tub. These details, described by the creators as “niche but perfect,” serve to anchor the fantastical world in everyday Filipino experience. Moreover, portions of the animation were handled by Snipple, a Manila-based studio, infusing the visuals with a distinct local flair that blends vivid, anime-inspired exaggeration with DreamWorks’ signature polish.
Technical ambition meets mythic storytelling
From a visual standpoint, the film balances realistic textures—wet sand, rain-slick foliage, weathered stone—with heightened fantasy lighting that shifts with each emotional beat. Motion-capture-inspired sequences grant the creatures a fluid, lifelike presence while retaining the warmth audiences expect from DreamWorks. The sound design layers orchestral grandeur with intimate motifs, using environmental cues like crashing waves and creaking trees to immerse viewers in Nakali’s rhythm. This meticulous synergy of sight and sound ensures that the island’s legends feel both accessible to children and resonant for adult fans of mythology.
Ultimately, Forgotten Island aims to be more than an entertaining summer release; it aspires to set a precedent for culturally specific storytelling in mainstream animation. By placing Filipino folklore at the heart of a global blockbuster, DreamWorks hopes to give audiences everywhere a chance to discover the rich tapestry of legends that have shaped a nation’s imagination for generations.
