The world premiere of Antoinette Jadaone’s ‘Sunshine’ at the Toronto International Film Festival brought a powerful story of a young woman’s journey to the global stage. While actress Maris Racal was unable to attend due to another filming commitment, she expressed her support for the film and director Jadaone, fondly known as Direk Tonet.
‘Sunshine’ follows the story of a young female gymnast who unexpectedly gets pregnant while training for the Olympics. The film delves into the complexities of her situation, exploring the internal struggles of a teenage girl navigating an unplanned pregnancy in the vibrant, yet chaotic, environment of Manila.
Director Jadaone drew inspiration from the film ‘Jojo Rabbit’, wanting to portray the mental turmoil of a young woman faced with such a life-altering situation. The film’s backdrop, the bustling streets of Manila, becomes a character itself, highlighting the irony of the city’s religious devotion and the reality of women seeking abortion services.
Jadaone and Racal, who have collaborated on multiple projects, share their insights on the film’s creation and the profound impact it has had on them. Jadaone emphasizes the importance of casting the right actress, highlighting that the right pairing elevates the film to new heights. Racal, in turn, praises Jadaone’s commitment to allowing her to explore the character freely, even encouraging improvisation.
The film’s emotional scenes, like Sunshine’s tearful moment on a jeepney, are not forced but emerge organically from the characters’ experiences. Racal shares the challenges of portraying Sunshine, a character who is emotionally restrained, which contrasted significantly with her own energetic personality. The director’s guidance and the depth of the role allowed Racal to explore new facets of her acting ability.
‘Sunshine’ tackles the sensitive topic of abortion in a way that resonates deeply with the Filipino context. Jadaone, acknowledging her own privileged background, seeks to give voice to the marginalized women who face difficult choices due to social and economic realities.
Racal sees the film as a powerful contribution to the ongoing fight for women’s rights and the need for safe and accessible choices. The film’s impact goes beyond abortion, highlighting the societal factors that contribute to the challenges faced by young women in the Philippines. Both director and actress are hopeful that ‘Sunshine’ will spark conversations and contribute to the progress of women’s rights in the Philippines.
