What is Forgotten Island, DreamWorks' Filipino folklore film featuring H.E.R., Bini, SB19 and Lea Salonga?
When H.E.R. was growing up, one creature from Filipino folklore featured particularly prominently in the stories her mother told her. The Manananggal, a mythical creature that can separate the upper half of its body and fly through the night, was used to frighten the future Grammy and Oscar-winning singer. “When I was a kid, that was the one that my mom would always tell,” H.E.R. told Reuters.…
Forgotten Island is a DreamWorks Animation fantasy adventure film inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, set in the Philippines during the 1990s. The movie stars H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Lea Salonga, who all have Filipino heritage. H.E.R., whose mother grew up hearing stories about the Manananggal (a creature that can separate its upper body from its lower half and fly at night), voices one of the main characters, Jo.
The film follows two lifelong best friends, Jo and Raissa, as they stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, an island populated by creatures from their childhood legends. To return home, they must make a difficult choice that could mean sacrificing their memories of each other. Critics have praised the film for its animation, emotional core, and celebration of Filipino culture, giving it a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film also features Filipino actors Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, and comedian Jo Koy, as well as Filipino musicians Bini and SB19. Forgotten Island is set to release in the US on September 25, 2026.
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