Filipino-Canadian viewers say DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island” brings rare animated representation

The Story

DreamWorks’ newest animated feature film, “Forgotten Island,” arrives in theatres this Friday, with some Filipino-Canadian viewers describing the release as a rare on-screen validation of culture for both Filipino communities and wider audiences. For Andrea Custodio, who attended a Wednesday night screening at Queensway Cinema, the experience stood out as the first time she had seen animated Filipino women portrayed as lead characters.

Custodio, speaking after the Toronto-area screening, said the film’s representation extended beyond language and characters to visible cultural symbols. She pointed to elements including the sun and a jeepney as details she felt captured the culture in a way that invited even non-Filipinos to recognize and experience it.

The film is set in the Philippines and follows two lifelong best friends, Raissa and Jo, as they search for the island of “Nakali.” The title draws from Tagalog, described as connected to “nakalimutan,” which means “forgotten” in English, tying the adventure theme to the idea of memory and what is left behind.

Ahead of the theatrical release, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures and the Canada-based film enthusiasts’ group Sine Institute brought an advanced screening to Toronto. Community members used the event not only to watch the story, but also to reflect on how the film’s production journey reached their community and what it could mean for young viewers interested in their heritage.

Multiple attendees described a strong emotional response to the story and its tone. One moviegoer said they were surprised by the impact of the animated film, adding that they cried and laughed while watching it.

“Forgotten Island” also drew attention for how it presents Filipino folklore for a general audience. The film includes portrayals such as the “Aswangs,” described as shape-shifting supernatural beings in the Philippines, as part of a broader mystical adventure framework.

While the film is promoted as a story for generations and cultures, Sine Institute vice president Rosary Escano said the release carries particular poignancy for Toronto’s Filipino community. He said there are many children within the community who are interested in learning more about identity, including mythology and history, and that the film’s approach—telling those ideas through humour and emotion—offers something distinct.

Escano said the film’s appeal also comes from the way it conveys cultural material in an accessible format, suggesting it can function as both entertainment and an introduction for young audiences. In his view, the film’s storytelling helps viewers feel more connected to their roots.

Casting is also a central part of how the movie is being celebrated. Filipino actor Liza Soberano provides the voice of Raissa, while Oscar-winning Filipino-American singer-songwriter H.E.R. voices Jo. Additional voice talent named for the film includes Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate and Filipino-Canadian Manny Jacinto.

Sine Institute president Michaelangelo Masangkay said he expects the film to be embraced beyond the Filipino community. He pointed to early critical attention, including the expectation of a strong opening weekend, and referenced a 100 per cent score rating mentioned for the movie on Rotten Tomatoes from professional critics.

For Escano, the most important response is already happening within the community, where he described the feeling as being “seen.” That sentiment reflects a broader focus on visibility in family entertainment, especially when audiences say cultural stories are presented with detail they recognize.

With the theatrical release beginning this Friday, the film’s combination of mainstream animated storytelling, Filipino mythology and a cast that includes high-profile Filipino and Filipino-Canadian performers is positioned as both a cultural milestone and a shared-screen experience for audiences across Canada. The opening weekend in theatres, as described by Sine Institute, will determine whether that community reaction translates into wider momentum with broader viewership.