For decades, Filipino stories in Hollywood have lived in the background. Our culture has been reduced to side characters, comedic relief, or forgotten completely. Representation has never felt full, more distant than anything. Yet, times are starting to change with two Filipina best friends taking on the big screen in “Forgotten Island.”
The movie revolves around two best friends, Jo and Raissa, fighting against all the troubles of the world and finding comfort in each other’s presence. The childhood troublemakers turn into mature adults, where their love for one another starts to become one-sided. An annoyed Raissa reveals she has to go to school in America, and Jo, as the troublemaker, begs her not to. The duo suddenly gets transported to Nakali, where their price for their escape is their memories of their friendship.
The trailer for DreamWorks’ upcoming animated film was released on March 25, with the sneak peek instantly receiving loads of love from the Filipino community. This single trailer has singlehandedly marked a rare moment in Hollywood history, alongside the actors involved. Lea Salonga, H.E.R., and Manny Jacinto are only some of the recognizable names in the cast, yet the cast has a mix of rising actors as well. Liza Soberano, known as Taffy from “Lisa Frankenstein,” stars as Raissa, which I believe could be her breakout role.
While watching the trailer, I found it hard to miss the subtle Filipino references, such as the iconic Sun of Liberty, the chaotic childhood memories of Jeepneys, and the frightening manananggal, a winged aswang creature from Filipino mythology. This vibrant, myth-inspired world literally echoes mythological references everywhere, and these small details are much more than just the aesthetic.
The audience is transported back to the 90s, where many Filipinos millennials can agree that the movie has hit close to home. To the directors, Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, recreating their childhood was imperative to encapsulating the Filipino essence. Even Filipino millennials can’t help but express their cries of joy for being represented on the big screens, as faded memories are suddenly revived in this two-minute trailer.
Despite the much-needed representation finally showing up, there are still remnants of lasting fears from over the years. One of the biggest fears that comes with the film is whether the culture will be represented properly, or if it will just be shown for visual satisfaction. Filipino folklore and culture are arguably so complex, yet so beautiful in their own way, and oversimplifying that could ruin everything. These fears are only continuing to grow, but the cultural pride of the Filipinos overrides any negativity that we might face.
For many Filipinos like myself, identity has always existed in fragments. Never was there a moment in Hollywood where our culture was so meticulously focused on respectability. “Forgotten Island” challenges this absence, weaving together the familiar landscapes, childhood memories, and mythological references that feel personal and long overdue. “Forgotten Island” releases on September 25 in theaters.
