Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have just shared a first look at a new movie called Forgotten Island. This exciting animated film tells a story that is based on the rich mythology and legends of the Philippines. It stars a very talented group of voices like the singer H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano. The movie is set to come out in theaters on September 25, and many fans are already waiting to see it.

What Happened?

This week, the world got its first look at the trailer for Forgotten Island. The story follows two young girls named Jo and Raissa who have been best friends for their entire lives. While they are out on an adventure, they find themselves lost on a hidden, magical island called Nakali. This island is not a normal place; it is a land that time has forgotten, and it is filled with magical creatures that many people in the Philippines grew up hearing stories about. The two friends must figure out a way to get back home, but the journey will not be easy at all. The trailer suggests that to leave the island and go back to their normal lives, they might have to lose the memories they have of each other. This creates a very emotional and difficult choice for the two main characters.

The movie is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. These two directors have worked together for a long time, starting back when they both worked on the movie Kung Fu Panda 2. Because they have been close friends for many years, they wanted to make a movie that shows how special friendship can be. They decided to set the movie in the 1990s because that was a very important time in their own lives. They hope that the feeling of looking back at the past will help people of all ages connect with the story. Even if you did not grow up in the 90s, the directors believe you will understand the love and the bond that the two friends share in the film.

The voice cast for the movie is also a very big deal. It includes the Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R. as Jo and the famous star Liza Soberano as Raissa. Other big names like Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, and Lea Salonga also have parts in the movie. Having such a strong group of actors helps make the story feel even more real and powerful. The film uses many symbols that are important to the people of the Philippines, such as the sun, which is a key part of the country's identity. This makes the movie feel like a love letter to Filipino culture and history.

Key Highlights

The movie Forgotten Island is a new project from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures.
The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 25 for everyone to see.
It tells the story of two best friends named Jo and Raissa who get stuck on the magical island of Nakali.
The story is inspired by the myths, folklore, and creatures of the Philippines.
The main characters are voiced by the famous singer H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano.
To get back home, the characters might have to give up their most cherished memories of each other.
The movie is set in the 1990s to bring a sense of nostalgia to the audience.

Why Does This Matter?

This movie is very important because it brings stories from the Philippines to a global audience. For a long time, many people have wanted to see more representation of different cultures in big animated films. Forgotten Island does this by using real folklore and symbols that mean a lot to millions of people. When children see their own culture and their own symbols, like the sun from their flag, on a giant movie screen, it makes them feel very proud and happy. It shows them that their stories are special and worth telling to the whole world.

The movie also focuses on a very simple but deep theme: the power of friendship. Everyone knows what it feels like to have a best friend. By showing the hard choices Jo and Raissa have to make, the movie teaches us about the value of the people we love. It asks us what we would be willing to give up to keep our friends. This is a lesson that is good for children to learn, but it is also a great reminder for adults. The movie uses magic and fun to talk about things that are very real in our lives, like growing up and holding on to the people who matter most.

What Are People Saying?

The stars of the movie are very excited and even a bit emotional about this project. H.E.R. mentioned that her mother is from the Philippines and used to tell her stories about magical creatures when she was a child. She said she felt very happy to share a piece of her own childhood with the world through this movie. She believes it is a very special way to honor her family and her background. For her, voicing a lead character in a movie like this is a dream come true and a very rewarding experience.

Liza Soberano also shared how much the movie meant to her. She said that she actually cried when she saw the images of the sun in the movie trailer. She thought about all the children in the Philippines who would see that and feel so much pride. She thinks it is a big moment for her country to be represented in such a beautiful way. The directors, Joel and Januel, also feel very proud. They said their own friendship was the biggest inspiration for the movie. They wanted to show that being yourself with a friend is one of the best feelings in the world.

Conclusion

Forgotten Island looks like it will be a very special movie for families and fans of animation. With its focus on Philippine mythology, its 1990s setting, and its heart-touching story about friendship, it has something for everyone. The beautiful animation and the voices of stars like H.E.R. and Liza Soberano are sure to make it a hit. We can all look forward to seeing this magical adventure when it arrives in theaters on September 25. It is a great reminder that even if we are far from home, our memories and our friends can help us find our way back.