Produced by Project 8 Projects, the film tells the story of a young gymnast who discovers she's pregnant just days before the national team tryouts. On her desperate journey for an abortion, she encounters a mysterious girl who eerily speaks like her. As her self-induced attempt fails, the story unflinchingly exposes the harsh reality many Filipina women face: a society that strips them of the right to choose.
A Light That Demands to Be Seen
In a country where abortion remains taboo and illegal, Sunshine brings the painful truth into the light. According to filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, this story is more than a commentary on reproductive rights — it’s about broken systems, stolen dreams, and a generation forced to grow up too fast.
“The Philippines is in dire political, economic, and social turmoil,” says Jadaone. “Behind every pregnant teenager is a society that let this happen to them.”
Known for beloved Filipino films like That Thing Called Tadhana (2014), Never Not Love You (2018), and Alone/Together (2019), Antoinette Jadaone last took the director’s chair for the critically acclaimed Fan Girl (2020), which had its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival as the lone Filipino entry in the Tokyo Premiere 2020 section. With Sunshine, Jadaone pushes her storytelling even further — tackling a subject long considered taboo in the Philippines.
This time, she frames the narrative through the perspective of a teenage athlete, using the high-stakes world of gymnastics as both a metaphor and battleground for a young woman’s right to choose. True to her signature style, Jadaone weaves emotion, realism, and sharp social commentary into a story that is at once intimate and urgently political. It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when we let shame, silence, and systemic failures decide a woman’s future.
In Sunshine, Jadaone doesn’t just tell another story about women — she reclaims the narrative, confronting the realities many Filipinas face, and inviting audiences to do the same.
While Antoinette Jadaone’s Sunshine has earned global recognition for its bold narrative, much of its emotional weight rests on the shoulders of its lead star, Maris Racal, who takes on what is being called the most compelling and career-defining role of her acting journey.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling,” Racal shares. “This is a story for every woman who’s ever been shamed for choosing herself. To see it embraced across the world is so inspiring.”
Already known in local showbiz for her versatility as a singer, actress, and host, Sunshine marks a significant turning point in Racal’s filmography. Critics and audiences alike have praised her for delivering a performance that is both restrained and emotionally searing — a standout in a film already packed with powerful themes and imagery.
From Tiff to Berlinale — and Now, Home
Before its Philippine release, Sunshine made waves on the international stage — from Toronto International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and was officially selected at Berlinale 2025, a career milestone for Jadaone.
Racal plays Sunshine, a young gymnast whose dreams of joining the national team are suddenly derailed when she discovers she’s pregnant. What unfolds is a deeply layered portrait of a girl navigating impossible choices in a society that offers little compassion and even fewer options.
Joining her is Elijah Canlas, Annika Co, Jennica Garcia, Meryll Soriano, Elijah Canlas, Rhed Bustamante, Xyriel Manabat, Angeli Bayani, Angie Castrence, and Piolo Pascual.
While Sunshine has been widely embraced on the global stage with sold-out screenings at major festivals and critical acclaim abroad its road to Philippine cinemas has been anything but smooth. The subject of abortion remains heavily stigmatized in the country, and censorship continues to be a major hurdle for filmmakers who dare to challenge the status quo.
But against all odds, Sunshine is finally coming home. The film will begin its Philippine theatrical run — uncensored — in SM Cinemas starting July 23, with an R-16 rating.
Thank God, Sunshine is home. This country needs Sunshine.
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