Forgotten Island shares philippine culture through animation

Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford directed Forgotten Island, an animated film set in the Philippines that focuses on the friendship between two girls, Jo and Raissa.

The filmmakers aimed to showcase a culture often underrepresented in animated films, acknowledging the large Filipino community in the United States. This film marks the first time an American animated movie takes place in the Philippines.

The story follows Jo and Raissa, who grew up in the 1990s hearing myths from the island nation of the Philippines, as they dream of visiting Nakali Island, home to fantastical creatures. When Raissa prepares to move to the United States for school, the two friends find themselves transported to the mythical island, beginning an adventure to return and ensure Raissa makes her flight.

Crawford and Mercado drew inspiration from their own friendship and from strong women in their lives, noting a lack of representation of female friendships in film. They also incorporated visual styles from Japanese manga like Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon into the animation. Mercado believes that the upcoming KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation will further increase diversity in animation.