Pinoy pride hits the big screen.
DreamWorks Animation’s Filipino-inspired “Forgotten Island” opened in the Top 5 at the North American box office, taking an estimated $12.8 million in its first weekend in US and Canadian theaters.
Box-Office Debut
The animated adventure debuted at No. 5 based on studio estimates released Sunday, according to an Associated Press report carried by Inquirer USA.
It opened in a crowded weekend led by the theatrical return of Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame,” which reclaimed the No. 1 spot with $26 million.
Rounding out the Top 5 ahead of “Forgotten Island” were “Resident Evil” ($23.3 million), Brad Pitt’s survival thriller “Heart of the Beast” ($20 million), and A24’s “Primetime” ($19.2 million), Inquirer USA reported.
The DreamWorks film also earned $7.8 million from 31 international markets, according to the AP.
It received the weekend’s strongest CinemaScore, an “A,” along with strong reviews from critics. GMA News earlier reported that it debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100% rating.
The movie opened in US theaters on Sept. 25. In the Philippines, it had nationwide sneak screenings on Sept. 19 and 20 before its regular release on Sept. 23, GMA reported.
The outlets we checked have not yet published Philippine box-office figures.
A Love Letter to Filipino Folklore
“Forgotten Island” follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Filipino American Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R. and Fil-Am actress Liza Soberano.
The two are transported to the mystical island of Nakali, full of creatures drawn from the stories they heard growing up in Filipino families.
Their journey forces them to face the possibility that escaping could cost them the memories of their friendship.
The film is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Fil-Am filmmaker Januel Mercado, the team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
The voice cast also includes Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy, along with Dave Franco and Jenny Slate.
Inquirer USA called the film a major Hollywood showcase for Filipino folklore.
It features creatures such as the manananggal and draws on the filmmakers’ and cast’s own connections to Filipino culture.
“Tayo Na” vs. “Tara Na”
One detail Filipino viewers noticed right away: Raissa and Jo always tell each other “tayo na” whenever they want to go somewhere or do something together.
In a video with Genius, Liza explained the difference to international audiences, GMA reported.
“In the Philippines, we actually more commonly say ‘tara na’ to say let’s go,” she said.
“[Meanwhile,] ‘tayo na’ means the two of us need to go together. It’s like I’m not doing this without you, so it’s like a lot more meaningful than just saying let’s go.”
GMA noted that some Filipinos online had debated whether “tara na” sounds more natural.
“Tara na” is common in casual speech, while “tayo na” is more formal.
Liza and H.E.R. also hosted a Filipino fiesta-themed dinner in New York City to celebrate the film, GMA reported.
Why It Matters
A studio animated feature built on Filipino myths, with Filipino and Fil-Am talent in front of and behind the mic, is now in the North American Top 5.
For many Pinoy moviegoers, that’s worth a “tayo na” to the cinema.
