Maris Racal’s film about teenage pregnancy to premiere in Toronto
Maris Racal portrays a gymnast who grapples with the daunting prospect of impending motherhood while striving for a spot on the national team. missmarisracal/X
The film about teenage pregnancy, born from the third collaboration between “Fan Girl” director Antoinette Jadaone and the award-winning Filipino production house ANIMA, stars “Can’t Buy Me Love” actress Maris Racal and is set to be part of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.
Titled “Sunshine,” the film has been selected for TIFF’s Centrepiece section, a category featuring 43 titles from diverse countries, including Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Panama, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the USA.
According to TIFF, “The programme is a reflection of TIFF’s commitment to providing an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
Jadaone shared her excitement on Instagram, saying, “It’s out!!!! SUNSHINE’s world premiere is at TIFF (Centrepiece section) … sorry na ma first time ko … thank you everybody who helped me develop and make this.”
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“Sunshine” delves into the sensitive and complex issue of teenage pregnancy. The narrative follows a young gymnast, portrayed by Racal, who grapples with the daunting prospect of impending motherhood while striving for a spot on the national team. Amid her struggles, she encounters a mysterious figure whose connection to her unveils revelations, challenging her understanding and reshaping her journey.
The acclaimed filmmaker behind hits like “That Thing Called Tadhana” views “Sunshine” as a crucial opportunity to spark essential conversations in a society where such issues are often considered taboo.
“These topics have always been taboo in the Philippines because of our deeply conservative roots,” she told Deadline in March. “But when cases of teenage pregnancy and self-induced abortions rise every year, it is imperative that these stories be told.”
Recently, Racal reposted the TIFF announcement of the film on X (formerly Twitter) with a clip of her practicing gymnastics. She wrote, “GYMNAST ERA HERE WE GO!! GOOD NEWS PILIPINAS!!! Our film SUNSHINE’s world premiere is at TIFF 2024!”
GYMNAST ERA HERE WE GO!!
GOOD NEWS PILIPINAS!!!
Our film SUNSHINE’s world premiere is at TIFF 2024! 🇵🇭 🇨🇦 https://t.co/24OigFsJr2 pic.twitter.com/QwtraxrsKk
— Maris Racal (@MissMarisRacal) August 8, 2024
Aside from the Filipino director, other featured works are from acclaimed filmmakers Merzak Allouache, Andrés Baiz, Sofia Bohdanowicz, Huo Xin, Damian Kocur and Ali Samadi Ahadi
The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, is scheduled to take place Sept. 5 to 15.
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