It’s not just another animated film…
It’s something deeply personal.
Liza Soberano and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R are beaming with pride as they step into the world of “Forgotten Island,” an upcoming DreamWorks animated film inspired by Filipino culture.
And for them… this moment means everything.
“We are so immensely proud,” Liza shared, her voice filled with emotion.
For years, she dreamed of being part of something truly Filipino—something that doesn’t just show the culture, but honors it.
A story that the world can see…
and finally understand.
Because this isn’t just about representation.
It’s about authenticity.
A Filipino story—told right.
For H.E.R, the experience hits just as deeply.
“It’s pretty incredible,” she said.
Proud of her identity as both Filipino and Black, she lights up when talking about the film’s connection to folklore—the stories many Filipinos grew up hearing.
The creatures.
The legends.
The magic.
Now, they’re coming to life on a global stage.
And for the first time, audiences everywhere will get to experience them—not as outsiders… but as part of the story.
But what makes “Forgotten Island” even more special… is how real it feels.
It’s not just fantasy.
It’s the Philippines—raw, vibrant, and familiar.
From jeepneys passing through busy streets…
to neighborhoods that feel like home…
to everyday moments Filipinos instantly recognize.
Even the small details matter.
“They are such an important part of the setting,” H.E.R said, referring to the iconic jeepney.
Liza agrees—and points out something many have noticed before.
These details are often removed. Edited out. Overlooked.
But not this time.
This time… they’re front and center.
And at the heart of it all… is a story many Filipinos know too well.
Liza’s character, Raissa, carries a journey that feels painfully familiar.
Separation.
Distance.
Longing.
“It’s something I’ve lived through,” she admitted.
A quiet truth shared by millions of Filipino families shaped by the OFW experience—where loved ones leave, and those left behind learn to wait.
To hope.
To miss.
To hold on.
And that’s what makes this story hit harder.
Because it’s not just fiction…
It’s reality.
H.E.R, who voices Jo, sees something equally powerful in the film.
Family.
The loud gatherings.
The endless food.
The laughter.
The karaoke that never really ends.
All the little things that define what it means to be Filipino.
And while these moments are uniquely ours… they’re also universal.
Something anyone, anywhere, can connect to.
Something that makes people smile…
and feel at home.
Beyond culture and nostalgia, “Forgotten Island” is also about friendship.
The kind that starts in childhood…
and stays with you, no matter how far life takes you.
The film brings together an incredible lineup of Filipino talent—Lea Salonga, Dolly De Leon, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy—alongside international stars like Jenny Slate and Ronny Chieng.
And from its first trailer, one thing is clear:
This isn’t just a movie.
It’s a celebration.
Of childhood memories…
of identity…
of home.
Set to hit theaters on September 23, “Forgotten Island” carries the magic DreamWorks is known for—this time, infused with the heart and soul of the Philippines.
And for Liza, for H.E.R… and for Filipinos everywhere—
This is more than a film.
It’s a moment we’ve been waiting for.
