A new trailer for the DreamWorks animated film Forgotten Island has been unveiled, showcasing the voice talents of H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as best friends Jo and Raissa. As the duo prepares to part ways for college, they stumble upon a portal that leads them to the enchanting island of Nakali, filled with mythical creatures from their Filipino heritage. The film also features voices from Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. Co-directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who collaborated on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Forgotten Island follows Jo and Raissa as they encounter friendly and adversarial creatures, including the fearsome Manananggal, voiced by Lea Salonga. The friends must race against time to return home before losing their memories of each other. Forgotten Island is set to be released in theaters on September 25.
Why It Matters
Animated films that highlight diverse cultural narratives are increasingly important in the film industry, as they contribute to greater representation and understanding of different backgrounds. Forgotten Island draws from Filipino folklore, a significant step in showcasing underrepresented cultures within mainstream animation. The involvement of notable voice actors and filmmakers emphasizes the film’s potential impact in promoting cultural stories and characters that resonate with a broader audience. As global audiences seek more varied storytelling, projects like Forgotten Island help expand the landscape of animated cinema.
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