Talentadong Pinoy: The Creatives Behind “Forgotten Island”

DreamWorks animated movie “Forgotten Island” arrived in Philippine theatres on September 25, 2026. It wasted no time making its mark, pulling in PHP 97.2 million in its opening run. At its heart, this movie is about the power of friendship and a childhood tale once dismissed as make-believe that turns out to be real. 

The Story and Its Filipino Roots

Directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film revolves around two best friends. Jo and Raissa, who stumble upon a magical portal on the beach as they bond on their last night together before parting ways. After entering the portal and exploring the island, they learn that their stay will cost them more than anything else: their memories of being best friends. 

The animated movie itself portrays Filipino culture and characters authentically. The reason stems from the directors and the creatives who crafted the film’s details from their Filipino heritage. The lead characters, Jo and Raissa, are voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, who are also of Filipino descent.

The Filipino Creatives Behind the Film

Despite being produced by a foreign studio, the true backbone of this Filipino-centric animated movie lies in the Filipino creatives who produced “Forgotten Island.” 

Filipino concept artist and illustrator Patrick Gañas is the mastermind behind Lola Fatima’s illustration. From the character portrait to the smallest details of Lola’s dusters, he worked hard to incorporate his story and Nakali’s culture into the character’s identity. Following that, artist Regnault Lois Rodriguez also participated in drawing key illustrations for the animated movie. Rodriguez served as the 2D layout artist of “Forgotten Island.” Aside from the visuals, in terms of music, kulintang artist Datu Farid Guinomla played the kulintang featured in the movie. 

Meet the Talents

While digging more into their backgrounds, these key artists have proven their talents. Long before joining the production of Forgotten Island.

Patrick Gañas, a magna cum laude graduate of the University of the East – Caloocan, is an award-winning artist early in his career. He bagged awards in competitions such as the International Reggae Poster Competition – London, Numina: Prevara Art Competition 2016, Sininglangan Quatro Ballpen Art Inter-school Competition, and the 49th Shell National Students Art Competition.

Furthermore, Regnault Lois is a self-taught traditional and digital layout animation artist. Despite that, he has participated in big artistic projects. Including Adventure Time, Phineas and Ferb Season 5, Golden Axe, Proud Family, and Jellystone Season 3.

Lastly, Abdulfarid Kamensa Guinomla, also known as Farid Guinomla, is not just an ordinary kulintang artist. He was raised with a musical heritage rooted in the talented history of his family clan. Guinomla is also a leader of an ensemble in Maguindanao known as the Datu Piang Kulintang. He aims to continue the kulintang tradition and talents that his family built.

“Tatak Pinoy” truly goes around the world, exemplified in every talent Filipinos can present.