Hawaiʻi Filipinos find cultural representation through animated film
The animated film 'Forgotten Island' is being celebrated by the Filipino community for its authentic cultural representation and inclusion of Indigenous elements. The film features a prominent Filipino cast and worked with cultural advisers to ensure accuracy.
Why it matters
It represents a significant milestone in Hollywood for authentic cultural storytelling and the recognition of Indigenous artists.
Facebook LinkedIn Email Listen 3:35 Richard Shotwell / Invision via AP Jenny Slate (left), who voices Batiba in "Forgotten Island," and Dave Franco (right), who voices Raww, arrive at the movie's premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. When Hawaiʻi artist Lydia Querian watched DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island,” she wasn’t just watching an animated movie. She was looking for pieces of a culture that she knows intimately.
“ There’s the Moanas and the Rayas,” she said. “Watching all of those films, I’ve always dreamt about hopefully one day a Filipino story would come out of those big studios. It’s a dream come true.”
“Forgotten Island” premiered in theaters on Sept. 25 and has scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has a largely Filipino cast, which includes actress Liza Soberano, musician H.E.R, Broadway icon Lea Salonga and comedian Jo Koy.
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