Ruby Ibarra, pictured here in 2024, appeared at the AMC Metreon 16 this week with her 2-year-old daughter.
Days before Filipino American History Month begins, DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island” turned its Bay Area premiere into a celebration of Filipino culture and representation, including two local celebrities joining the festivities.
East Bay rapper Ruby Ibarra introduced the film during a special screening at AMC Metreon 16 in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 22, where her family, along with San Francisco-born DJ Noodles and other collaborators, were among the crowd.
“Forgotten Island” (PG) opens in theaters nationwide Friday, Sept. 25.
“This is for everybody in the room that wished we had this growing up,” Ibarra told the audience before the animated film, which is inspired by Filipino folklore.
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Ibarra, who was born in Tacloban City, Philippines, has become known for incorporating elements of her Filipino heritage into her music and has frequently used her platform to highlight the importance of representation. For “Forgotten Island,” she recorded “Salbahe Ako” with fellow Filipino American musician Carl Angelo.
The song is one of several created by Filipino and Filipino American artists featured on the film’s official soundtrack. Others include the film’s two stars, Grammy Award-winning singer H.E.R., Broadway star Lea Salonga, P-pop groups BINI and SB19, Katseye member Sophia Laforteza and Bay Area rappers Guapdad 4000 and P-Lo.
Jo, voiced by H.E.R., in a scene from “Forgotten Island.”
“This movie is very special and I think this is a perfect way to kick off Filipino American history month next month,” Ibarra said.
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The film’s message about representation hit especially close to home for Ibarra, who shared the moment with her daughter, Lea.
“My 2-year-old daughter is in the theater watching the movie with us. This is going to be her first movie in the theater,” Ibarra said, sparking cheers from the crowd.
The rapper notably announced her pregancy in the music video for her single “Bakunawa” in early 2024. Lea was born in November.
“I’m just so glad that she lives in a timeline where this is possible,” Ibarra added, “that she’s going to be able to watch an animated film where there’s Filipino language, Filipino music, Filipino voice actors that are part of the cast.”
Raissa (Liza Soberano), left, and Jo (H.E.R.) in “Forgotten Island.”
For Bay Area audiences, the connections to “Forgotten Island” go well beyond Ibarra. Vallejo native H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, who was born in Santa Clara, voice the two best friends who get trapped on a mythological island at the heart of the adventure. Palo Alto native Dave Franco also lends his voice to Raww, a well-meaning were-dog who becomes one of the pair’s companions.
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“Forgotten Island” hits theaters nationwide Friday, Sept. 25, with a Los Angeles premiere scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the first film to do so in the space.
In collaboration, popular Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee is offering limited-edition “Forgotten Island” bracelet charms, with the purchase of a themed box meal. Other movie merchandise is available online, including a “Forgotten Island” ’90s-inspired hoodie and T-shirt. All items will be available through Oct. 31.
