DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind "Shrek" and "Madagascar," has begun showing its new animated film "The Forgotten Island" in early screenings in Brazil as part of the discounted Semana do Cinema, or Cinema Week, promotion, according to CNN Brasil.
The film is playing at participating theaters for 10 reais until September 16. It will then have its official premiere on September 24.
Plot follows two friends on a fantastical island
The story follows Jo and Raissa, best friends since childhood who have just finished high school. Having grown up together, the pair now face an important change: with school behind them, they are about to go their separate ways.
While enjoying what could be their last night together before that new chapter begins, the two find a mysterious portal. Crossing it transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island inhabited by magical and mythological creatures.
The place is not entirely unfamiliar to the friends. The creatures they meet there come from stories they heard from their Filipino families as children. The adventure that follows explores themes of memory, identity, family and growing up.
Voice cast includes H.E.R. and Liza Soberano
"The Forgotten Island" brings together well known names from film, television and music for its voice cast. Among them is H.E.R., the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Fight for You," from "Judas and the Black Messiah."
The cast also includes Liza Soberano, known for "Lisa Frankenstein"; Dave Franco, of "The Studio"; Jenny Slate, of "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On"; and Manny Jacinto, of "The Good Place."
Directors behind Oscar-nominated 'Puss in Boots'
The animation is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the duo nominated for an Academy Award for "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," a spin-off of the "Shrek" franchise released in 2022.
DreamWorks Animation has built its reputation on franchise animated films, including the "Shrek," "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda" and "How to Train Your Dragon" series. "The Forgotten Island" marks the studio's latest attempt to introduce a new original property, drawing on Filipino folklore for its setting and creatures.
A trailer for "The Forgotten Island" has also been released ahead of the film's wider run in theaters.
