OPM singer-songwriter Maki expressed his excitement following the release of the trailer for Forgotten Island, a new DreamWorks Animation project inspired by Filipino folklore and culture.
On his social media page, Maki celebrated the release of the film’s trailer, featuring the voices of Filipino artists H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy as well as Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.
“woke up to this and thought how representation in the film animation industry really impacts and inspires us to be more proud of our own culture and places!” Maki wrote.
A filmmaker himself, Maki said the trailer further fueled his own creative goal to showcase the Philippines’ landscapes through his music videos.
“mas na-inspire ako na mas mag film pa ng mga music videos ko sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas,” Maki said.
“idk if u noticed pero dilaw, namumula, bughaw and kahel mv are just some of my smol proganda to promote how beautiful and diverse our country really is. from dilaw’s green landscapes, namumula’s architecture, bughaw’s beaches, to kahel’s pinatubo ⭐️,” he added along with photos from his songs’ music videos.
The “Dilaw” hitmaker expressed how projects like Forgotten Island remind him why he takes pride in being Filipino.
“these moments make me think every time how grateful I am that I was born a Filipino in the Philippines. kahit may katotohan at realidad sa maruming sistema at bansa. naturally, mayaman sa kultura at maganda ang Pilipinas,” Maki said. “and I’ll forever be in love with animation!!!!!!”
In a separate post, Maki also delighted in the film’s subtle cultural details, including the presence of “anik-anik” or decorative charms worn by the characters which he personally embraces in his own style: “anik anik culture truthers are happy.”
Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza), who find themselves stranded on the mystical island of Nakali. As they try to find their way home, they encounter creatures from Filipino mythology, including a weredog named Raww (Dave Franco) and the feared Manananggal, voiced by Lea Salonga while facing a difficult choice that could cost them their most treasured memories.
The film is written and co-directed by Filipino American filmmaker Januel Mercado alongside Joel Crawford and is slated for Philippine release on September 23.
Within just a day of its release, the trailer racked up more than eight million views on Instagram, with several Filipino celebrities such as Anne Curtis, Cedrick Juan, Arci Muñoz, and Niana Guerrero voicing their support, along with content creators like Nurse John and Otakoyakisoba.
READ: Arden Cho of 'KPop Demon Hunters' congratulates Liza Soberano for 'Forgotten Island'
Liza shared her appreciation for the project and its team with photos.
"I have so much love for the whole team behind this project. ❤️🇵🇭 I’m so so so honored and proud to be a part of such an amazing film that showcases Filipino culture and talent!! Did everyone like the trailer?" she said.
Lea Salonga also said, “Finally! Started working on this last year and have been sitting on my hands trying to remain very patient!”