Team DailyPedia
Senator Bam Aquino is calling on Filipinos around the world to support DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, saying the film’s prominent celebration of Philippine culture and mythology deserves a strong showing from Filipino audiences.
Speaking on Good Times With Mo, Aquino praised the animated film while expressing concern about its commercial performance in the United States.
“Ang ganda ng pagkagawa. Rotten Tomatoes, one of the top movies of the year. We have to show up. So the Philippines, top movie here, pero sa Amerika medyo nakaka-stress na hindi siya kumikita sa Amerika,” Aquino said.
He expressed hope that positive word of mouth could help the movie gain momentum internationally and urged Filipinos overseas to encourage others to see it.
“I’m still hoping na this coming weekend in the world, because of the word of mouth and because all the Pinoys are gonna bring everybody to the cinemas. But I hope na we can use all of our powers. Marami tayo sa mundo. I hope we can really support this movie,” he added.
Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, as they find themselves in the fantastical world of Nakali. The film draws heavily from Philippine mythology and culture.
Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado, the movie also features Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Lea Salonga among its voice cast.
Its soundtrack further highlights Filipino talent, featuring music from SB19, BINI and Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE, alongside H.E.R., Soberano, Lea Salonga and other artists.
For Aquino, seeing Filipino culture represented so prominently in a major Hollywood animated production made the importance of representation more tangible.
“Having seen our culture front and center on the big screen, wow, parang ganun pala yung pakiramdam. Talagang warm and fuzzy feeling pala talaga siya,” he said, adding that he plans to organize a block screening.
Aquino’s appeal comes as he pushes for stronger government support for Filipino creative workers. He recently filed a measure proposing the creation of a Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy, aimed at expanding international opportunities and market access for the country’s creative sector.
The senator has said the proposal was developed following discussions with SB19 and 1Z Entertainment about challenges Filipino creatives encounter when pursuing opportunities overseas.
