Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Joel Crawford Reveals Filipino Culture Shaped ‘Forgotten Island’
‘Forgotten Island’ is a fantasy adventure comedy about two best friends named Jo and Raissa.
They are high school graduates preparing to follow different paths.
On their last night together, they find a mysterious portal.
The portal takes them to a magical place called Nakali.
The island is filled with creatures from Filipino myths and stories.
The friends must find a way out before the island makes them forget each other.
Filmmakers used Filipino culture, celebrations and family stories to help shape the movie.
The film will be released in cinemas on September 25.
Joel Crawford said Filipino culture was central to shaping and celebrating ‘Forgotten Island’.
The film follows childhood friends Jo and Raissa as they enter the magical island of Nakali.
Nakali contains mythological creatures inspired by stories the characters heard from their Filipino families.
Filmmaker Chris Grun traveled through the Philippines and Manila for 10 days in spring 2025 to conduct research.
‘Forgotten Island’ stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano and releases in cinemas on September 25.
- Who
- Filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado created the film, which stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as Jo and Raissa.
- What
- ‘Forgotten Island’ is a fantasy adventure comedy about two friends trapped in the mystical world of Nakali.
- When
- The film releases in cinemas on September 25; research in the Philippines took place in spring 2025.
- Where
- The story is set in the Philippines during the 1990s, particularly in the fantastical island of Nakali; research included Manila and other Philippine islands.
- Why
- The filmmakers wanted to celebrate Filipino culture, myths and the warmth of its communities.
- Film
- ‘Forgotten Island’
- Release
- September 25
- Setting
- The Philippines in the 1990s
- Main characters
- High school graduates Jo and Raissa
- Fantasy world
- Nakali
- Research trip
- A 10-day trip through the Philippines and Manila in spring 2025
- Directors and writers
- Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado
- Producer
- Mark Swift