Grammy and Oscar-winning artist H.E.R. is stepping into a new creative chapter, and this time, she is bringing her Filipino heritage along for the journey. DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film Forgotten Island is set to hit theaters on September 25, and it is already generating significant buzz for its rich cultural storytelling and emotional depth. With H.E.R. leading the voice cast alongside Filipino actress Liza Soberano, the film promises to be a landmark moment for Filipino representation in mainstream animation.
H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Lead a Filipino Folklore Adventure in Forgotten Island
At the center of Forgotten Island is the story of two best friends, Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Soberano respectively. The two find themselves trapped on a mystical island called Nakali, and the only way back home comes with a devastating price — they may have to sacrifice the very memories that hold their friendship together. It is a premise that blends high-stakes fantasy with deeply human emotion, making it instantly compelling for audiences of all ages.
Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film draws its soul from Filipino culture, mythology, and memory. The creative vision behind Forgotten Island is not just about stunning visuals or adventure — it is about honoring a culture that has long been underrepresented on the global animation stage. For many viewers, this will be their first time encountering Filipino folklore through a major Hollywood production.
How Filipino Mythology and Cultural Symbolism Shape the Film’s Identity
One of the most striking elements of Forgotten Island is its deliberate use of Filipino cultural symbolism. Among the most powerful is the sun, a deeply significant image in Filipino history and identity. Co-star Liza Soberano has spoken about the emotional weight of seeing that symbol brought to life on the big screen, noting how meaningful it will be for children in the Philippines to watch their culture celebrated in such a grand, global way.
The film also incorporates Filipino folklore creatures and other cultural touchstones that give Nakali its distinct and vivid personality. Rather than borrowing loosely from various mythologies, Forgotten Island appears to root itself genuinely in Filipino tradition — a creative choice that adds authenticity and purpose to every frame.
Furthermore, the story is grounded in something real and personal: the actual friendship between its two directors. That authentic foundation gives the film an emotional credibility that goes beyond spectacle, connecting the fantastical world of Nakali to something deeply human and relatable.
H.E.R. Connects the Role to Her Filipino Mother and Childhood Memories
For H.E.R., this project is far more than a voice acting credit. The singer has shared that the role carries profound personal meaning, tying directly to the stories she heard growing up from her Filipino mother. Taking on the role of Jo felt, in many ways, like a chance to bring a piece of her own childhood to a worldwide audience in a way that had never been done before.
“It’s a way to share a piece of my childhood with a global audience.” — H.E.R.
That personal connection is visible throughout the film’s details, from its folklore-inspired world-building to its emotional core. H.E.R. has also emphasized how important it is for younger generations to see themselves reflected in animated storytelling — not as side characters, but as the heart of the narrative.
Additionally, this is not H.E.R.’s first time bridging cultural worlds through her artistry. As a Grammy and Oscar-winning artist of Filipino and Black American heritage, she has consistently used her platform to celebrate both sides of her identity. Forgotten Island feels like a natural and powerful extension of that ongoing journey.
A Star-Studded Voice Cast and a 1990s Nostalgic Backdrop
Beyond its two leads, Forgotten Island boasts an impressive voice cast that adds further depth and appeal to the film. Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, and the legendary Lea Salonga — herself an icon in both Filipino culture and Broadway history — all lend their voices to the world of Nakali. Together, they help build a vibrant, layered universe that balances cultural specificity with broad, universal appeal.
The film is also set against a nostalgic 1990s backdrop, a creative choice that adds a warm, familiar texture to the story. That setting taps into universal themes of memory and identity, making the characters’ fear of losing their shared past feel even more emotionally resonant. Audiences who grew up in the nineties will likely find an extra layer of personal connection woven into the film’s atmosphere.
The combination of a culturally rich story, a beloved pop star in a personal role, and a nostalgic setting positions Forgotten Island as one of the most anticipated animated films of 2026. It is not just a movie — it is a cultural moment.
Why Forgotten Island Matters for Representation in Animated Film
Representation in animation has been a growing conversation in Hollywood, and Forgotten Island arrives at a moment when audiences are actively seeking stories that reflect a wider range of cultures and experiences. Filipino culture, in particular, has rarely received this level of spotlight in mainstream Western animation, making this film a genuinely historic release.
H.E.R. has echoed the sentiment that seeing yourself on screen — especially as a child — leaves a lasting impression. By centering Filipino mythology, friendship, and memory at the heart of a DreamWorks production, Forgotten Island has the potential to shape how a generation of young Filipino and Filipino-American children see themselves in the world of storytelling.
Ultimately, the film is a celebration of heritage, the enduring power of friendship, and what it means to carry culture with you wherever you go. With Forgotten Island arriving in theaters this September 25, audiences everywhere will have the chance to experience a story that is as emotionally courageous as it is visually extraordinary.
