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DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island' brings Filipino folklore to mainstream animation

The new animated film centers two friends navigating magical creatures from Philippine mythology in a visually inventive adventure.

newest coverage 3h agosummary written 3h ago7 pieces Google NewsNewswiresMastodon

What to know

  • DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island' centers two Filipino schoolgirls who discover a magical portal to an island populated by creatures from Philippine folklore, marking a major mainstream animated film built around Filipino mythology.
  • The film employs a visually distinctive style blending anime, manga, 1990s street art, and classical animation, with reviewers calling it one of the year's most visually inventive animated works.
  • Critics highlight the film as significant for Filipino cultural representation in mainstream animation, while noting the universal story of friendship and loyalty appeals across cultural backgrounds.

“It makes 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' look as quaint as 'Up.'”

Mark Kennedy, Philadelphia Inquirer reviewer · Philadelphia Inquirer ↗ · Sep 22

Joel Crawford Co-writer and co-directorJanuel Mercado Co-writer and co-directorH.E.R. Voice of JoLiza Soberano Voice of RaissaDreamWorks Animation Production studio

DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island' brings Filipino folklore to mainstream animation
Baltimore Sun

How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts

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    Critics frame film as milestone for Filipino representation in mainstream animation

    Multiple reviews emphasize 'Forgotten Island' as a significant cultural moment, noting it is a mainstream DreamWorks release that centers Filipino heritage and mythology. Reviewers note the film's appeal extends beyond Filipino audiences despite its specific cultural grounding, with the core story of friendship between two young women providing universal resonance.

    “The dazzling new film 'Forgotten Island' stands out from the animated pack in part due to its celebration of Filipino folklore. Set in Manila and a magical island home to various Aswang — an umbrella Filipino term for shape-shifters and other supernatural creatures — the mainstream movie is proudly of its place.”
    — Tribune News Service
    1. 2 outlets ‘Forgotten Island’ review: Friendship shines in Filipino-flavored gem

      first by Baltimore Sun, 18h ago · also NYT Movies

      1 more headline
  2. 2

    Reviewers highlight visual style and mythological depth as standout elements

    Critics praised 'Forgotten Island' for its richly detailed animation and deep integration of Filipino folklore. The film blends anime, manga, 1990s street art, video games, and classical animation styles into what one reviewer called 'the richest, busiest and trippiest animated movie of the year,' grounded in Philippine mythology that serves as genuinely fertile creative soil.

    “That humble beach staple is the key to unlocking what surely is the richest, busiest and trippiest animated movie of the year, one that leans into Filipino folklore to tell a story about friendship.”
    — Mark Kennedy
    1. 1 outlet Movie Review: 'Forgotten Island' is a trippy ode to friendship set against rich Filipino folklore

      first by Philadelphia Inquirer, 21h ago

  3. 1

    DreamWorks releases 'Forgotten Island' with Filipino folklore centerpiece

    DreamWorks Animation premiered 'Forgotten Island,' an animated feature that centers Filipino mythology and folklore. The film follows two schoolgirls who find a portal to a magical island home to creatures from Philippine legend, including Aswang and other supernatural beings.

    1. 1 outlet ‘Forgotten Island’ makes a giant leap for Filipino representation

      first by San Francisco Chronicle, 1d ago

    2. 1 outlet first by Reuters, 1d ago · read ↗