DreamWorks' Filipino-Inspired 'Forgotten Island' Puts AI on Notice: 'This Work May Not Be Used To Train AI'

DreamWorks Animation's Filipino-inspired Forgotten Island has attracted attention ahead of its theatrical release for an unusual message in its closing credits: 'This work may not be used to train AI.'

The notice appears alongside broader copyright language covering data mining and AI training, formally reserving rights concerning the film's use for AI training, while its Filipino folklore and cultural influences have also drawn attention.

Closing Credits' Explicit AI Training Warning

The film's closing credits state that all rights in the work are reserved under laws relating to data mining and AI training, before explicitly declaring: 'This work may not be used to train AI.'

The notice also references Article 4(3) of the European Union's Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market. The wording has since circulated on social media, with viewers highlighting the explicit reference to AI training.

The statement represents a rights reservation by DreamWorks and should not be interpreted as a universal guarantee that the film cannot be accessed or used by AI systems.

DreamWorks Film Draws On Filipino Folklore

Forgotten Island follows childhood best friends Jo and Raissa, who are transported to the mystical island of Nakali, where they encounter creatures drawn from Filipino mythology. The pair must find their way home while facing the possibility of losing their memories of each other.

Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, the film has been described by Reuters as the first major Hollywood feature-length animated film inspired by Filipino culture and mythology.

The film's folklore includes the Manananggal, a legendary creature traditionally described as being able to separate its upper body from its lower half and fly through the night.

In Forgotten Island, the feared Manananggal is voiced by Filipina Broadway star Lea Salonga.

For Mercado and Crawford, the project was also shaped by Filipina women in their lives. Mercado drew inspiration from his sister Joann, who was among the inspirations for the character Jo, while Crawford has a Filipina wife.

'Strong women have affected me and made me the person I am,' Mercado said.

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, has also spoken about the Filipino folklore she heard from her mother while growing up.

Discussing the Manananggal with Reuters, she recalled her mother warning her that the creature would 'get you'.

Who Stars In 'Forgotten Island'?

The film's Filipino influences extend to its cast and soundtrack. H.E.R. voices Jo, while Liza Soberano voices Raissa.

The voice cast also includes Salonga as the Manananggal, alongside Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.

The soundtrack features music from H.E.R., Soberano and Filipino acts including BINI and SB19, alongside Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE, Ruby Ibarra, Guapdad 4000 and P-Lo.

'Forgotten Island' Scores 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

The AI notice comes as Forgotten Island has also attracted strong early critical interest. As of 23 September, Rotten Tomatoes lists the film at 100% on the Tomatometer from 33 critic reviews, although the score can change as more reviews are added.

The film is scheduled to open in US cinemas on Friday, 25 September, bringing its Filipino cultural focus and unusual AI training notice into the spotlight ahead of its release.