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Following a heartfelt Philippine homecoming with Liza Soberano, H.E.R. and the filmmakers, Filipino moviegoers can now secure their seats for DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island.

Opening in Philippine cinemas on September 23, the original animated adventure brings Filipino folklore, mythology, friendship and family to the big screen through a story deeply inspired by Filipino culture.

A Homecoming Filled With Filipino Pride

The recent Manila visit of stars Liza Soberano and H.E.R., along with writer-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and producer Mark Swift, gave Filipino fans an early look at the heart behind Forgotten Island.

During their Philippine homecoming, Soberano and H.E.R. spoke about their personal connections to Filipino culture. Meanwhile, Crawford, Mercado and Swift shared how Filipino influences shaped the film, from its mythical creatures and visual details to familiar values such as family, friendship and bayanihan.

For Crawford and Mercado, creating the story also grew naturally from their longtime friendship.

We just organically found that we have the same sensibilities, Crawford says. We enjoy making each other laugh. We like the same movies. There is so much overlap in the way we think that we developed this shorthand, almost like an unspoken agreement. Writing together feels seamless, and that opens the door to special moments in the script.

The pair previously worked together on projects including Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Croods: A New Age.

A Love Letter to Filipino Culture and Family

With Mercado being Filipino American and Crawford married to a Filipina, the Philippines holds a personal place in both filmmakers’ lives.

We both have personal connections to the Philippines, so this movie is a love letter to our families and a culture that shaped our values,” Mercado says. “We thought a lot about the people who shape our lives, the loved ones who influence who we become and the way we move through the world.

Crawford adds: Not only did we set out to write what we know, but rather who we know.

That personal connection helped shape a colorful fantasy world rooted in Filipino traditions while telling a story designed to resonate with audiences everywhere.

Watch the latest trailer here:

Welcome to the Mysterious Island of Nakali

In Forgotten Island, high school graduates Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano, embark on one last celebration before life takes them in different directions.

But the night takes an unexpected turn when a magical portal transports them to Nakali, a mythical island inspired by stories passed down through their families.

There, they encounter creatures both fierce and friendly. As memories of their friendship begin to disappear, Jo and Raissa must race to find a way out of Nakali before they lose something even more precious.

Creating an Original Adventure From Scratch

Producer Mark Swift was immediately drawn to the opportunity to help build an entirely original DreamWorks Animation story.

Every movie I have done up until now has either been a sequel or based on a book,” Swift says. “To work on an original film is exciting because you are truly starting from scratch. There are no existing designs for the characters, no established personalities. Every idea is a new idea, and each one can take you down a different path.

He also credits Crawford and Mercado’s friendship as one of the creative strengths behind the movie.

What is great about Joel and Januel’s partnership is that it came out of friendship,” Swift says. “They completely trust each other and know what each brings to the table, so being on that journey with them has been fantastic.

Finding Inspiration Across the Philippines

To prepare for Forgotten Island, the filmmaking team traveled around the Philippines for research and inspiration.

One memorable moment came when Mercado’s family welcomed the team with a large celebration. That gathering later became an inspiration for Raissa’s going-away party in the movie.

The Philippines is beautiful, Crawford says. The culture was a huge part of what we wanted to celebrate in this movie. It is incredibly warm and welcoming, the kind of place where, if you are there, you are family.

He continues, Everyone is singing, dancing, eating and drinking together. And the myths still feel very alive there. Everyone we met had a story about seeing Manananggal.

Those experiences helped the team bring a sense of warmth, wonder and authenticity to the film’s world.

A Story About Memories Worth Holding On To

Beyond the magical creatures and mythical landscapes, Forgotten Island centers on something universal: the memories people create with those they love.

As specific as our story and our experience may be, anyone can relate to it,” Mercado says. “We all have friends, family and people we are connected to. We are all capable of making beautiful memories.

At the heart of this story is friendship, the growing pains of life, the fear of being forgotten and the fragile nature of memory. Memories are valuable because they do not last forever, and that is what makes them so important.

Don’t miss the magical adventure of Forgotten Island, arriving in Philippine cinemas on September 23. Tickets are now on sale.

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