Dreamworks Animation knows how to tell stories about friendships, whether it’s between a boy and a dragon in “How to Train Your Dragon” or Donkey and Ogre in “Shrek” or a robot and bird in “The Wild Robot.” Its latest feature, “Forgotten Island,” anchors its story in two best friends who face being separated when one has to go abroad to college. One final night together puts their friendship to the test. Liza Soberano and H.E.R. lead the voice cast as Raissa and Jo, who find themselves stranded in the mystical world of the forgotten island of Nakali.
They come to find that their only way home might come at the expense of a lifetime of memories and emotions. Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film is produced by Mark Swift. Speaking with Variety, Soberano says the story was one that hit home.
Growing up in the Philippines, she understood the theme of “losing” a family member or a friend who needed to go overseas for a better quality of life and to make a better living for themselves. Soberano explains, “I’ve seen all the different permutations of how that could affect family and loved ones that you’re leaving behind.” The story struck a deeper chord when she left a successful career in the Philippines to make it in America. She was particularly torn about leaving behind her little sister.
I was afraid that we would grow apart. But through this, I actually discovered that there are so many reasons to not grow apart. You have to really fight for the relationship and fight for the closeness, no matter how far you physically are from one another.
I find a lot of comfort in that, and this movie has taught me so much about it.” Similarly, H.E.R., who grew up near Vallejo, California, also found the story relatable. My sister was eight at the time, and I was 17 and she wanted her big sister around.” While friendship is the beating heart of the film, “Forgotten Island” also captures the Filipino experience through cultural details that resonated deeply with its cast. H.E.R. recalls seeing the Filipino elements in the film for the first time.
I remember that day very well. I remember seeing ‘pasalubong’ written on the screen, and I thought, oh my gosh, this is as Filipino as it gets. The petroleum jelly, all those little details, just really made me feel like, wow, I’m so proud to be Filipino.
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