Filipino Canadian Tricia Serdon was raised on Disney films but never found a princess that resembled her until she watched “Forgotten Island.” Describing it as a tribute to Filipinos, Serdon, a marketing co-ordinator in Toronto, praised the Dreamworks Animation production released on Sept. 25 for spotlighting Filipino culture and mythology.
The movie revolves around childhood friends Jo and Raissa, whose paths diverge when Raissa moves to the U.S. for college while Jo remains in the Philippines. Their journey leads them to Nakali, a fantasy world filled with supernatural beings inspired by Filipino folklore. The term “Nakali” is derived from “nakalimutan,” Tagalog for “forgotten.”
The setting of Nakali serves as a portal into Filipino mythology, showcasing creatures like the manananggal and kapre. Serdon, a Philippines native, found the portrayal of these mythical beings on screen to be authentic and nostalgic, expressing admiration for the film’s attention to detail.
Co-directed by Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, “Forgotten Island” was a long-awaited project for them, aiming to celebrate Filipino culture and mythology. The film uses creatures like the weredog as metaphors for emotional struggles and identity quests, emphasizing themes of coming-of-age and self-discovery.
Aside from its magical elements, the movie captures the essence of Filipino family life, portraying scenes of parties and familial interactions. Serdon connected deeply with the film’s depiction of friendship and departure, echoing the experience of many Filipinos who leave their homeland for new opportunities.
The commitment to representation extends to the voice cast, featuring prominent Filipino talents like singers H.E.R. and Lea Salonga. The filmmakers hope that “Forgotten Island” will inspire more Filipino stories and encourage diverse voices in the industry.
Reflecting on her childhood longing for representation in Disney movies, Serdon envisions a future where Filipino narratives are more readily accessible on screen. “Forgotten Island” not only celebrates Filipino heritage but also paves the way for more diverse storytelling in the future.