DreamWorks Animation is set to captivate audiences with its latest animated feature, "La isla olvidada" (The Forgotten Island), a poignant narrative exploring the complexities of evolving friendships amidst a fantastical adventure. The film, which marks a significant return for the acclaimed creative team behind the Oscar-nominated "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," also heralds the professional dubbing debut of Mexican actress and comedian Esmeralda Soto in a leading role. Scheduled for release in Mexican cinemas on September 16, this production promises a journey into a vibrant world steeped in Philippine mythology, while delving into the universal experience of growing up and navigating the inevitable shifts in cherished relationships.
A Tale of Friendship Tested by Time and Magic
"La isla olvidada" centers on Jo and Raissa, two inseparable friends since elementary school, who find themselves at a pivotal crossroads following their high school graduation. As they prepare to embark on separate paths, their lifelong bond faces its ultimate test. In a twist of fate, their last night together takes an extraordinary turn when they stumble upon a mysterious portal. This gateway transports them to Nakali, a breathtakingly beautiful yet perilous island teeming with magical creatures and mythical beings drawn from the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore – tales they grew up hearing from their families.
The journey to Nakali is not merely an escape but a profound challenge. While some of the island’s inhabitants become unexpected allies, others prove to be formidable adversaries. Accompanied by Raww, a well-meaning but often clumsy dog-man, and a small, resilient band of companions, Jo and Raissa must confront the fearsome Manananggal, the island’s most dreaded creature. However, the true peril lies not just in the fantastical dangers of Nakali, but in the insidious price of returning home: their memories. The girls soon discover that the very essence of their friendship, their shared past, begins to erode with each passing moment on the island. They must find a way to escape Nakali before their cherished memories of one another are completely lost, threatening to sever their bond forever.
The Visionary Team Behind the Magic
The creative powerhouse behind "La isla olvidada" reunites the critically acclaimed team of Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado as writers and directors, with Mark Swift serving as producer. This trio previously garnered immense praise and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2023 with "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish." Their previous work was lauded for its innovative animation style, mature thematic depth, and compelling storytelling, elements that audiences anticipate will be echoed in their new venture. The success of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," which revitalized a beloved franchise with both critical acclaim and impressive box office performance, has set a high bar, positioning "La isla olvidada" as one of DreamWorks Animation’s most anticipated releases. The studio’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring diverse narratives is evident in this new project, which promises to blend heartfelt emotion with thrilling adventure.
DreamWorks Animation has a storied history of producing visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. From early hits like "Shrek" to recent triumphs, the studio has consistently delivered narratives that appeal to broad audiences while often subtly addressing complex themes. The choice to explore themes of identity, change, and the enduring power of friendship, especially within a culturally rich mythical setting, aligns with DreamWorks’ evolving storytelling strategy. This approach not only entertains but also offers profound insights into the human experience, making their films memorable and impactful.
Esmeralda Soto’s Decades-Long Journey to the Dubbing Booth
For Esmeralda Soto, "La isla olvidada" represents a monumental milestone: her first professional dubbing role, and a leading one at that. Soto, a seasoned performer with a decade of dedication to the craft of voice acting, lends her voice to Jo, one of the film’s protagonists. Her journey to this significant debut is a testament to perseverance and passion.
"I studied dubbing ten years ago; in fact, I’m still studying. My first teacher was Humberto Vélez, then I studied with the Santinis, and now, suddenly, this opportunity came," Soto shared in an interview with EL INFORMADOR. Reflecting on her extensive preparation, she added, "I thought: ‘Well, it’s my first job, but I don’t feel like I’m starting from scratch.’ It was a familiar place for me. I think having studied all these years helped me immensely."
The serendipitous nature of her casting further underscores the unique path Soto has taken. A dubbing director, who followed Soto on Instagram, discovered the perfect voice for Jo through one of her casual social media posts. "She told me they couldn’t find Jo’s voice. She follows me on Instagram, and one day I uploaded a story where I was screaming, singing, or doing something, and she thought: ‘I think it’s her.’ Who would have thought that doing silly things on social media would suddenly lead me to the best job in the world?" Soto recounted with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
This opportunity, arriving after a decade of diligent study and practice, placed Soto in a demanding yet exhilarating environment. Voice acting, she discovered, required a different kind of performance concentration than her previous work in stand-up comedy, theater, or on-camera roles. The acting had to be entirely conveyed through voice, often necessitating rapid emotional shifts within seconds. "One comes from theater and is used to asking: ‘But what did this character eat when they were two years old?’ You want to know everything. Here, it’s very immediate. For me, it was something new to have to connect in half a second," she explained, highlighting the intense focus and agility required.
Her character, Jo, also presented the challenge of navigating a broad emotional spectrum, moving between comedic moments and profound vulnerability as the gravity of her potential loss of Raissa sinks in. "It’s wonderful how you have to reach such strong emotions, because Jo isn’t just comedy; she also breaks down. So you have to enter the fiction and reach those emotions almost immediately. It seems like such important work, and that’s why I think: ‘Of course, they are actors.’ You have to be a little unhinged to suddenly be laughing and then have to cry," Soto elaborated, emphasizing the depth and range demanded by the role.
Thematic Resonance: The Enduring Power of Female Friendship
At its core, "La isla olvidada" is a profound exploration of female friendship and the challenges of personal growth within long-standing relationships. This theme resonated deeply with Esmeralda Soto, who recognized echoes of her own experiences in Jo’s journey. While acknowledging she is in a different life stage than her character, Soto identified with the story’s depiction of accepting change in a friend, a transformation she believes is inherent to any enduring bond.
"Growing up is painful, growing up is uncomfortable. I’ve had my best friend for many years, and no one prepares you for the moment when both of you change. We are friends forever, but suddenly a third factor appears, which is life, and it puts obstacles in your way. Even one changes as a person," Soto reflected. "Then the question arises: what happens when love transforms? I think that’s something we don’t talk about much in relationships. Your partner and you can change, your friendships can change, and we have to transform. That, to me, is the true test of love: being able to transform together."
The film places female friendship at its emotional center, a choice that Soto finds particularly meaningful and relevant to contemporary conversations about women’s relationships. She sees it as a reflection of a generational shift away from the outdated notion of women as rivals. "I think we are living a generational change in which women are learning to detach ourselves from the idea that a woman’s worst enemy is another woman. I think that’s what the system wants: to keep us apart, because united, we are much stronger," she asserted, articulating a powerful message of solidarity.
Soto further connected this theme to her own intimate friendships, emphasizing the unique depth and support found in these bonds. "I value my friendships with my female friends so much because they are very intimate bonds. Obviously, we talk about everything, but my experience with female friendships has to do with true intimacy, true listening, and true support." This perspective highlights the film’s potential to resonate widely, celebrating the strength and complexity of platonic love between women.
Cultural Tapestry: Philippine Mythology in Animation
"La isla olvidada" distinguishes itself through its rich integration of Philippine mythology, offering a unique cultural backdrop for its universal themes. The island of Nakali, with its magical creatures and mythological beings, draws directly from the vibrant oral traditions and folklore of the Philippines. This choice represents a significant step for DreamWorks Animation in showcasing diverse cultural narratives, enriching the global animation landscape.
Philippine mythology is a treasure trove of fascinating entities, from benevolent deities and nature spirits to fearsome monsters. By introducing audiences to figures like the Manananggal – a terrifying, self-segmenting vampire-like creature – the film not only provides thrilling adventure but also educates and exposes viewers to a rich, often underrepresented, cultural heritage. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of themes like tradition, identity, and the power of stories passed down through generations, as Jo and Raissa navigate a world they’ve only known through family narratives. The inclusion of these specific mythological elements suggests a meticulous effort by the creative team to ensure authenticity and respect for the source material, moving beyond generic fantasy tropes to create a truly distinct and immersive experience.
The Art of Animation and Dubbing in a Global Market
Soto’s experience during the recording sessions offered a rare glimpse into the intricate world of animation production. She observed sequences still in various stages of development, witnessing the "human touch" in the incomplete frames. "When we were doing the dubbing, the film wasn’t finished yet. So I could see that human footprint. It was similar to when, in old movies, you could still see the pencil strokes. I thought: ‘What a wonder what human beings can do.’ You can still feel the artisanal quality," she explained. This observation highlights the blend of advanced technology and painstaking human artistry that defines contemporary animation, reminding viewers that behind every fluid motion and expressive character are hundreds of dedicated artists and technicians.
The art of dubbing itself is a crucial component of global film distribution, particularly for animated features. For a film like "La isla olvidada," targeting a broad international audience, the quality of its dubbed versions is paramount. Professional voice actors like Esmeralda Soto are not merely translating dialogue; they are re-interpreting performances, ensuring that the emotional nuances, comedic timing, and dramatic weight of the original animation are faithfully conveyed to diverse linguistic audiences. This intricate process requires not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of acting and cultural context, making the role of dubbing artists indispensable. The choice of Soto, a rising talent with a decade of dedicated training, underscores DreamWorks’ commitment to high-quality localized content.
Future Implications and Anticipation
After a decade of preparation and waiting, Esmeralda Soto concluded her sessions for "La isla olvidada" with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for her future. "Whenever I went to record, I would tell them: ‘I’m reporting, okay? I’m reporting, please. I want to work on this.’ Because it’s not a hobby. It’s something I’ve worked and studied for with the intention of being able to dedicate myself to it. I love it, it fulfills me. It was like when you find one of your passions. I felt like I clicked very quickly with this," she concluded, expressing a profound connection to the craft. This powerful debut, especially in a DreamWorks Animation production led by an Oscar-nominated team, is poised to launch Soto into a prominent career in the dubbing industry, opening doors for future roles and showcasing her versatility as a performer.
"La isla olvidada" is more than just another animated film; it is a meticulously crafted narrative that intertwines adventure with deep emotional resonance, celebrating the enduring yet evolving nature of friendship. With its stunning visuals, culturally rich storytelling, and the heartfelt performances of its voice cast, including the promising debut of Esmeralda Soto, the film is set to be a significant addition to DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed catalog. As audiences prepare for its September 16 release in Mexico, anticipation builds for a film that promises to entertain, move, and perhaps even inspire reflection on the friendships that shape our own lives.
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