Metro Manila, Philippines – Liza Soberano sees “Forgotten Island” as more than another international film, saying the DreamWorks Animation project could become a major moment for Filipino talent seeking greater recognition on the global stage.
Soberano, who voices Raissa in the Filipino-inspired animated film, turned emotional as she spoke about what the project could mean for actors, filmmakers, and other Filipino creatives.
“To me, this feels like the beginning of something big for Filipino creatives around the world,” Soberano said in a panel discussion in Taguig on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
“I feel like we’re finally going to get the recognition that we long deserved.Filipinos are such talented people and are oftentimes the backbone of a lot of industries,” she added.
“Forgotten Island” follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Filipino-American singer H.E.R. and Soberano, as they are transported to the mythical island of Nakali.
The two encounter creatures drawn from Filipino folklore as they race to return home before losing memories of their friendship.
The film is co-written and directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado, the team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
For Soberano, having Filipino creatives involved in telling stories rooted in the culture brings an authenticity that would be difficult to replicate otherwise.
“It’s the truth and the authenticity and just the lived-in experience of, you know, being part of that culture and really finding an authentic way to translate your experience,” she said.
Soberano said those experiences can still connect with audiences who do not share the same background.
“It’s a universal story, right?” she said.
Filipinos gaining global spotlight
Soberano said Filipino creatives have long worked behind the scenes in entertainment without always receiving recognition for their contributions.
“There are a lot of Filipino creatives that don’t get the spotlight that often, but it’s starting to happen,” she said.
She pointed to Filipino talents gaining international recognition, including Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon.
Both actresses are also part of “Forgotten Island.” Salonga voices the Dreaded Manananggal, while de Leon plays Lola Fatima. The voice cast also includes Manny Jacinto, Jo Koy, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate and Ronny Chieng.
Soberano’s role in the film also comes as she continues to build a career outside the Philippines following her Hollywood debut in the 2024 horror-comedy Lisa Frankenstein.
‘A big moment’
Soberano called on Filipinos around the world to rally behind the film in the same way they support Filipinos competing on major international stages.
“Whenever there’s a beauty pageant or there’s a boxing match, you know, we all come together, we congregate, and we make our love and pride felt by everyone,” she said.
She hopes “Forgotten Island” can generate the same enthusiasm.
“I hope we have that same effect for this film because I really feel like this is going to be a big moment for the Filipino people,” Soberano said.
The film has already taken its Filipino representation to a major international stage.
Soberano, H.E.R., and Dave Franco joined Crawford and Mercado to promote the film at San Diego Comic-Con in July. Filipino pop group BINI, which recorded “A Parallel World” for the movie, also made a surprise appearance.
Forgotten Island will open in cinemas on Sept. 23, ahead of its wider theatrical release on Sept. 25.
