Canadian Filipino Tricia Serdon, residing in Toronto, found a special connection with the movie “Forgotten Island” as it celebrates Filipino culture and mythology. The film, a Dreamworks Animation production released on September 25, delves into the story of childhood friends Jo and Raissa, exploring their diverging paths and encounters in the fantasy world of Nakali.
Nakali in the film serves as a gateway into Filipino folklore, showcasing supernatural beings like the manananggal and kapre. Serdon, who hails from the Philippines, was thrilled to see these familiar creatures come to life on screen, emphasizing the film’s accuracy and attention to detail in depicting Philippine mythology.
Co-directors Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford aimed to spotlight Filipino culture through this project, incorporating rich mythological elements to reflect emotional struggles and themes of identity. By portraying the characters’ inner conflicts through creatures like the weredog, the film delves into deeper metaphors related to growing up and self-discovery.
Aside from its mythical aspects, “Forgotten Island” also captures the essence of Filipino family life, showcasing scenes of typical gatherings and interactions that resonate with many viewers. The film’s representation extends further with a voice cast featuring prominent Filipino talents and involvement of Filipino artists behind the scenes.
The movie’s dedication to authentic representation and storytelling has been well-received, resonating with audiences like Serdon who appreciate the cultural nuances and relatable themes portrayed. As “Forgotten Island” paves the way for more diverse storytelling, it opens up possibilities for future Filipino narratives to be shared and celebrated on a global scale.