Dreamworks Animation : Save the Children Foundation Gets a Special ”Forgotten Island” Surprise, with Liza Soberano and H.E.R Joining First Look at the Film

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island arrives in Philippine cinemas 23 September 2026

Photo Credit to Universal Pictures

Some stories are meant to be shared and some adventures are meant to be experienced together.

In celebration of childhood, imagination, and the friendships that build character, Save The Children beneficiaries were among the first audiences to experience DreamWorks Animation’s emotional new feature film “Forgotten Island” at a special screening on August 25 at SM Aura in Taguig. 

The screening, courtesy of DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, welcomed children supported by Save The Children, whose work in the Philippines for more than four decades has helped children learn, thrive and build brighter futures. 

The children received an extra special surprise when stars Liza Soberano and Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R., the voices behind the film’s best friends Raissa and Jo, made an unexpected appearance at the screening. The two artists  spent time with the kids, sharing the excitement of the film and creating a memorable moment around a story that celebrates the power of friendship, imagination and finding your way home.

The special screening also brought together key members of the “Forgotten Island” creative team, including directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, whose shared vision brought the film’s fantastical world and celebration of Filipino mythology  to life.

Photo Credit to Universal Pictures

The visit held particular meaning for Soberano, who has been a Save The Children ambassador and longtime advocate for children. H.E.R. has likewise championed initiatives focused on uplifting marginalized communities. The stars, along with Crawford, and Mercado, are in Manila for the “Tayo Na, Philippines!” “Forgotten Island” Tour, which celebrated the Filipino cultures, stories and spirit at the heart of the film.

Photo Credit to Universal Pictures

“Forgotten Island” opens the door to a parallel world in Philippine cinemas this September 23. In the film, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Soberano) star as high school graduates who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths. 

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.

Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Jenny Slate and Ronny Chieng.  

At its heart, “Forgotten Island” is a celebration of the stories we grow up with and the stories we pass on. Through its fantastical world, the film invites audiences to reconnect with the wonder of childhood, the richness of Filipino storytelling, and the people and places that shape who we become.

For the children who were among the first to experience the film, the journey to Nakali became more than a trip into a world of mythical creatures. It was an opportunity to imagine, discover, and share in an adventure together, made even more memorable by the presence of the cast and filmmakers who helped bring the story to life.

Watch the official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2ny0TPqw5Q

The journey to Nakali begins September 23. Experience “Forgotten Island” in Philippine cinemas and follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest news and updates.