H.E.R, Januel Mercado find familiar Filipino details in 'Forgotten Island'
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino culture is at the heart of DreamWorks Animation's newest movie "Forgotten Island," right down to the characters' mannerism of pointing with their lips.
The movie, co-directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and featuring the voices of Liza Soberano and Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, or H.E.R., is inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology.
Best friends Raissa and Jo, voiced by Liza and H.E.R., respectively, end up stranded in the mystical world of the forgotten island of Nakali, where the only way home may mean losing a lifetime of memories and emotions.
All four were in the Philippines last August 25 as part of the film's "Tayo Na!" promotional tour ahead of its wide release next month, meeting with film students and members of the press, including Philstar.com.
Early in the Taguig event, Filipino-American H.E.R. was asked if there were moments in the movie that personally reminded her of home.
"Oh man, I mean, there's so many scenes that actually, literally feel like my and my mom's home!" the singer-actress began, speaking about her mother, Agnes.
The Grammy and Oscar winner credited the directors' years-long friendship and the fun atmosphere at DreamWorks for making her feel at home since joining the project.
What made everything come to life, however, were scenes featuring Dolly de Leon as Jo's lola Fatima, the characters pointing with their lips, the food on display and, most importantly, the friendship between Raissa and Jo.
Related: 'Forgotten Island,' Lea Salonga retrospective among MIFF 2026 lineup
"Everything about this movie feels like a very personal, at-home experience," H.E.R. continued, adding that she particularly felt at home visiting the Philippines again. "We're talking about bayanihan, what it really means, and you experience it watching this."
There were more specific moments that triggered her Filipino identity, with the artist quipping about there always being an image of Jesus Christ on the wall.
"We all belong to Jesus!" Mercado, who is also Filipino-American, chimed in before discussing the symbolism he and Crawford played around with for the movie.
The filmmaker focused on the portal shaped like the sun on the Philippine flag that transports Jo and Raissa to Nakali, which for Mercado was a definitive way of introducing non-Filipino viewers to a distinctly Philippine symbol.
Mercado pointed out that the sun appears throughout the film, even in Nakali, and from a visual storytelling perspective serves as an invitation for audiences to join the adventure.
"Come join us! We're here, these are our stories and we want you to join us," Mercado ended. "We know you'll connect. Come on this adventure with us, tara na!"
"Forgotten Island," also featuring the voices of Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy, Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, Filipino-American actress Amielynn Abellera, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate and Ronny Chieng, premieres in Philippine cinemas beginning September 23.
RELATED: BINI, Liza Soberano hit San Diego Comic-Con for 'Forgotten Island'
- Latest
- Trending
