H.E.R. Reflects on the Joy and ‘Struggle’ of Growing Up Black and Filipino—and Why Her First Animated Film Means So Much

H.E.R. Shines at the Premiere of DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’

On September 23, 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles played host to the premiere of DreamWorks’ latest animated feature, “Forgotten Island.” The star of the film, Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R., took centre stage at the event, marking her debut in voice acting. The 29-year-old artist, born Gabriella “Gabi” Sarmiento Wilson, expressed her pride in representing Filipino culture through her role.

In an interview with PEOPLE, H.E.R. shared her excitement upon learning that the film would spotlight Filipino characters and culture. “When they told me it was about Filipinos and it was animated, I’m like, ‘I’m in, I’m in. That’s all you had to say,’” she recalled, detailing her initial meeting with filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. The emotional response she felt while working on the project mirrored her personal connection to the material.

The film is significant not only for its celebration of Filipino culture but also as a rare occasion for the community to be represented in mainstream media. H.E.R. pointed out that there hasn’t been a major animated film devoted to Filipino traditions and that the inclusion of Tagalog in the dialogue is groundbreaking. “Filipinos aren’t really given this moment to celebrate. There’s never been a film created around Filipino culture where people are speaking Tagalog. So this is a really, really big deal for the culture,” she affirmed.

“Forgotten Island,” which is set to debut in theatres on September 25, follows the journey of two best friends, Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano, as they explore their love for Filipino mythology while confronting the realities of growing apart. With Dave Franco lending his voice as their comedic companion, Raww, the film delves into themes of friendship and cultural identity.

H.E.R. noted that her character Jo bears a resemblance to herself. She described Jo as a wild, imaginative teen who often feels like an outsider, a sentiment H.E.R. knows all too well. “I’m a lot like Jo, very Type B, very go with the flow. I can be a little chaotic.” Reflecting on her upbringing, H.E.R. acknowledged the complexities of her mixed-race identity, sharing that she sometimes struggled to fit in.

The singer recounted her experiences growing up in Vallejo, California, where her family’s multicultural environment allowed her to appreciate both Filipino and Black culinary traditions. Despite having a community that mirrored her background, H.E.R. faced moments of feeling out of place. “There were times where I would feel like I was maybe too Filipino for the Black kids or too Black for the Filipino kids, and sometimes that was a struggle,” she revealed. However, over time, she has learned to embrace both aspects of her heritage.

Reflecting on her formative years, H.E.R. credited the Bay Area’s diversity for providing her with a sense of acceptance. Nonetheless, when she ventured beyond that environment, she encountered a lack of understanding about Filipino culture. “I’ve been asked like, ‘Oh, well, do you eat with chopsticks?’” she revealed, acknowledging that misconceptions are often born from a lack of exposure to different cultures.

As H.E.R. navigated her journey, she struggled to find animated characters with whom she could relate. “I don’t think there was an animated film that I could identify with as far as seeing a mixed-race woman,” she stated. However, she found inspiration in Disney’s “Princess and the Frog,” identifying with Princess Tiana, especially given her Southern family connections.

H.E.R. further underscored the importance of media representation, stating, “Media is, I think, a way we get to know certain cultures and traditions.” She hopes that “Forgotten Island” will provide a glimpse into the Filipino experience, showcasing the things that matter to the community, particularly the value of love and family.

As she gears up for the film’s release, H.E.R. is eager to connect with her audience on a deeper level. “I’m just excited for people to get to know me more,” she said, indicating her desire to share more about her life beyond her music. With “Forgotten Island” set to hit theatres soon, fans can look forward to witnessing a significant moment in representation.