Filipino artists take center stage in DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film “Forgotten Island,” with a soundtrack bringing together major names in OPM and Filipino-American music.

Set for release in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 23, “Forgotten Island” is a Filipino culture-inspired animated adventure directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, following “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” The film follows best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy winner H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano, whose post-high school plans begin to pull them in different directions. What starts as a night of karaoke and food leads them to Nakali, a mysterious island inhabited by magical creatures inspired by Philippine mythology.

Music plays a central role in the film, shaping its 1990s setting and themes of friendship and growing up. According to Variety, H.E.R., Soberano, and Broadway icon Lea Salonga are among the cast members contributing to the soundtrack. H.E.R. and Soberano also perform the film’s title track, “BRB,” written by H.E.R. with Tagalog lyrics that reflect the bond between their characters.

Among the featured acts is BINI, which performs the original song “A Parallel World,” produced by Nathan Matthew David and Shawn Wasabi. Filipino-American Senior Vice President of Film Music at Universal Pictures Angela Leus said the group was an easy fit for the project. “Joel and Jan had a very creative understanding of what the music was going to be, so it was very easy to come to them and say, ‘There’s this group called BINI; they’re amazing.’ It was a no-brainer and easy to get to that point,” she said.

BINI members said joining a DreamWorks project marked a milestone for the group. “It’s an honor to be part of this,” Maloi said. “Kasi first time naming maging part ng isang DreamWorks project. And the fact na it’s a Filipino-centric movie, and we’re part of it, we’ll be hearing our voices sa isang movie that represents the Philippines, is such a big deal for us.”

KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza also contributes to the soundtrack with a reimagined version of INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart.” Leus explained that the track represents Jo and Raissa’s childhood friendship, with Sophia’s rendition reflecting how their relationship evolves over time.

SB19 appears on the soundtrack with a cover of Francis M.’s “Mga Kababayan,” while rapper Ruby Ibarra teams up with Carl Angelo for the track “Salbahe Ako.”

Together with contributions from H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Lea Salonga, the soundtrack highlights a wide range of Filipino and Filipino-American acts, reinforcing “Forgotten Island’s” goal of celebrating Filipino identity through both its story and its music. (Ian Ureta)