Press Release

CHICAGO, 19 October 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago organized a private screening of DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island at AMC NewCity 14 Cinemas on 18 October 2026. Held in partnership with B&A Production, LLC, the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois (ZAMNAI), and Pinoy Corp., the screening brought together Consulate personnel and their families, as well as members of the Filipino-American community, to celebrate Filipino storytelling, creativity, and cultural heritage.

The screening forms part of the Consulate's continuing cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at promoting greater awareness and appreciation of Philippine culture, highlighting the contributions of Filipino talent to the global creative industries, particularly animation and filmmaking, and supporting films that showcase Filipino identity, heritage, and storytelling to international audiences.

Forgotten Island, co-directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, tells the story of two lifelong friends who find themselves transported to a magical island inspired by Philippine mythology and folklore. Featuring the voices of Filipino and Filipino-American talents, including H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, and Dolly de Leon, the animated film brings Filipino stories, traditions, and mythological characters to mainstream international audiences. END