The new animated adventure by Joel Crawford, "Forgotten Island", is deeply rooted in the culture and mythology of the Philippines, which the director talks about in detail as to how the Philippines became an integral part of the film’s concept. This animated film revolves around two best friends Jo and Raissa who find themselves transported to the magical world of Nakali through a mysterious portal.
However, in creating the world, they did not just rely on folklore. Crawford, Januel P. Mercado, producer Mark Swift, production designer Ryan Carlson, and art director Chris Grun have visited Manila and islands in 2025 during a 10-day research trip. It was an experience that influenced the film's culture and mythology.
Forgotten Island Filmmakers Travelled To The Philippines For Research
The trip that the creative team undertook to the Philippines turned out to be one of the most critical moments in the development of the Forgotten Island movie. During their ten-day long journey, the filmmakers traveled through Manila and various islands in order to understand the culture they intended to introduce to their animated world.
Moreover, it was during the trip that the team was able to have personal experience that eventually made its way into the movie. The family of Mercado prepared a welcome party for both the filmmakers and for Crawford’s family. This gathering eventually turned into the farewell party for Raissa. In this way, the movie managed to incorporate not only Filipino culture but actual cultural experience.
Joel Crawford Says Filipino Culture Was Central To The Film
The Philippines have been referred to by Crawford as one of the main sources of inspiration for Forgotten Island. He spoke of the hospitality and warmth of the culture especially when it came to community, food, music, dancing, and festivities.
These aspects were used by Crawford to identify the characteristics of the film he wanted to produce. The filmmaker also mentioned the fact that mythology continues to be present in the day-to-day life of Filipino stories. This is captured in the fantastic world in the film, where Jo and Raissa meet different creatures and stories related to their own folklore background.
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Filipino Mythology Comes Alive In Nakali
Filipino mythology is an important part of the environment on the island of Nakali, where the two friends are trapped in the movie. The mythology in the movie is represented by mythological creatures that are associated with legends that are passed down by Filipinos.
An example of such creatures is the Manananggal which Crawford kept encountering while on their trip. The filmmaker mentioned that the people they met had stories of meeting the creature, which shows how the myths are still very much alive among the people. Instead of separating the fantastical from the emotional side of the movie, the mythology is integrated into the story of Jo and Raissa.
Forgotten Island Brings Friendship And Filipino Folklore Together
Ultimately, it is a tale about friendship. Jo and Raissa are the best of friends since elementary, but now they are getting ready for different ways of life after graduating high school. What happens to be the last night between the two is quite an adventurous one as they end up finding the way to Nakali.
Voices of Jo and Raissa are provided by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano respectively, while others who appear in the movie are Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. The movie will be released in Indian cinemas by Universal Pictures India through Warner Bros. Discovery on September 25, 2026.
Final Take
"Forgotten Island" seems to be turning out to be more than just a fantasy film as Joel Crawford and his crew are incorporating elements of Filipino culture into their world based on Filipino culture and mythology. From research conducted all over the Philippines to the inclusion of mythical beings such as the Manananggal, the film will feature a story of friendship and transformation.
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