A fantasy adventure comes to life in the trailer, combining breathtaking visuals with a moving story.
Dubai: The first official trailer for the upcoming Hollywood animated film “Forgotten Island” has been released, giving audiences a peek into a coming-of-age fantasy inspired by Filipino mythology and personal experiences.
Set partly in the 1990s, the trailer opens with Raissa, voiced by Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano, meeting Jo, voiced by Fil-Am singer H.E.R., outside their school principal’s office.
What begins as a simple encounter quickly blossoms into a deep friendship, symbolized by a shared bracelet.
The trailer then showcases a montage of their bond over the years, highlighting moments of laughter, conversations, and life changes. One scene depicts the pair sitting on the hood of a jeepney, discussing Raissa’s plans to move abroad for further studies—an important turning point that sets the story in motion.
How the Story Turns Magical
The narrative takes a fantastical turn when a glowing portal, emerging from the sun symbol on the Philippine flag, transports the two girls into a mysterious realm called the Forgotten Island.
From that point, the trailer unfolds a journey of survival and discovery, with the duo navigating a surreal and perilous landscape as they try to find their way home.
The scenes blend action and emotion, emphasizing the film’s central theme of cherishing memories amid life’s changes.
Why the Film Resonates with Global Audiences
Beyond its fantasy elements, “Forgotten Island” explores themes that strongly connect with expatriates worldwide.
The film explores the gradual loss of identity often felt by those who leave their homeland. Through Raissa’s journey, it reflects struggles with displacement and the fear of losing one’s roots—experiences that resonate with overseas Filipinos and other migrant communities worldwide.
The Forgotten Island itself acts as a metaphor, where memories, language, and cultural symbols begin to fade, mirroring the emotional distance that develops over time.
Cultural Details
What sets the film apart is its careful incorporation of Filipino cultural elements. Rather than serving as mere decoration, the trailer weaves in meaningful details, from the iconic jeepney to traditional objects like the balisong, commonly known as a butterfly knife.
Visually, the animation embraces a contemporary style while avoiding excessive spectacle. The focus is on mood, symbolism, and character-driven storytelling, providing a more introspective approach to the fantasy genre.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
Alongside Liza Soberano and H.E.R., the film features a diverse voice cast including Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy.
Directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado, who makes his feature directorial debut, the project unites global talent while maintaining a distinctly Filipino narrative voice.
What to Expect
Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, “Forgotten Island” is slated for a theatrical release in September this year.
With its mix of fantasy adventure, emotional storytelling, and rich cultural depth, the film promises to be more than just an animated feature—it’s a story about remembering who you are, even when life takes you far from home.
