USA | Japan 2026
Opening October 8, 2026

Directed by: Joel Crawford, Januel P. Mercado
Writing credits: Joel Crawford, Januel P. Mercado
Principal actors: Animation: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco

Jo and Raissa are best friends graduating from high school. Raissa’s mother Lola wants to send her the United States for further studies. This would separate their deep friendship.  In the end, they find themselves together on a mysterious island in the Philippines called Nakali. They are accompanied by a dog (which is actually a werewolf) named Raww.  Other residents on the island are a monster named Mananggal, Prince Mermahn, who looks like a regular man, except that he has the tail of a crocodile, and Bungi, a vampire who looks like a baby. In order to escape and return home, Jo and Raissa must leave their memories behind on the island.

The first ten minutes of this animated film present Jo and Raissa as young girls. Then it steps forward; they are older, looking for jobs or further studies.  Sometimes Raissa is dressed as a duck. Often there is a slip of paper with BRB written on it. This stands for Be Right Back. A portrait of Jesus is on the wall.  Rassia’s mother attempts to control the action. The final minutes are even more years later, so that we have the girls at three different times of their lives. At all ages Jo feels comfortable speaking to an audience, explaining her experiences. Having wings, being able to fly, adds to the story. What role does a lost, and then found, key play? In all: 110 minutes, supported by twenty-two songs. (Becky T.)