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PH animation enters golden era with 'Sun Chaser,' 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah,' and 'Forgotten Island' gaining global momentum
Entertainment
Movies and TV
PH animation enters golden era with 'Sun Chaser,' 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah,' and 'Forgotten Island' gaining global momentum
PH animation enters golden era with 'Sun Chaser,' 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah,' and 'Forgotten Island' gaining global momentum
By Neil Ramos
Published Jun 25, 2026 06:11 pm
At A Glance
- With Filipino creators, global voice casts, and festival acclaim, Pinoy animation is stepping into a powerful new era of worldwide recognition as led by "Sun Chaser," the internationally praised "Zsazsa Zaturnnah," and DreamWorks' "Forgotten Island."
Philippine animation is riding one of its most exciting creative waves in recent memory.
Indeed, what was once a niche corner of the entertainment industry is now steadily emerging into global view, powered by original Filipino stories, international collaborations, and festival recognition.
At the crest of this wave is newly released animated series “Sun Chaser,” which premiered June 22 on YouTube.
The fantasy adventure has quickly become one of the most talked-about Filipino animated projects online, not just for its story, but for the scale of its ambition.
The premise is simple, straightforward. The series unfolds as both a fantasy epic and a coming-of-age story rooted in identity and heritage.
“Sun Chaser” follows teenager Jordan Santos, whose supposed chill summer in the Philippines turns into a supernatural awakening.
The voice cast is a story in itself, inasmuch as it reflects the project’s aspiration, intent.
Featuring Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Charo Santos-Concio, Dingdong Dantes, Zia Dantes, AC Bonifacio, KD Estrada, Eugene Cordero and JR De Guzman, it blends a healthy mix of popular Filipino and Filipino-American talents in a grand collaboration that is fast shaping modern Pinoy storytelling.
Behind the series are veteran Filipino animators Bobby Pontillas and Bernard Badion, with production handled by Toon City Animation and Playlab Manila.
The creators have positioned the project as something unprecedented: a fully creator-owned Filipino animated series grounded in local mythology and built with the production ambition of a major international studio.
While the series has already premiered, its journey is far from over. A Kickstarter campaign is currently underway to fund additional episodes.
Another Filipino-linked project that has been making waves abroad is the animated adaptation of the iconic komiks "Zsazsa Zaturnnah."
Directed by Avid Liongoren, it recently received a standing ovation at the Marché International du Film d’Animation (MIFA) in Annecy, France, premiering in the Midnight Specials section following its earlier showcase as a work-in-progress.
The response signals growing international appreciation for Filipino narratives, especially those that blend pop culture, mythology, and bold creative identity.
Adding to this momentum is DreamWorks’ animated feature “Forgotten Island,” which has been described by its creators as a “love letter to Filipino culture.”
Set in the Philippines and inspired by Southeast Asian folklore, the film has drawn attention at international animation events for its distinct visual identity and cultural grounding.
The project features a mix of Hollywood and Filipino talent, including H.E.R. and legendary performer Lea Salonga, alongside American actors such as Dave Franco.
Filipino creatives and animation teams based in Manila also played a key role in shaping the film’s aesthetic, particularly its anime-inspired visual approach.
These developments make clear that Philippine animation is no longer quietly emerging in the background. It is now actively stepping into global conversations.