Filipino filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone’s latest feature, “Sunshine,” is set to world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Chosen for TIFF’s Centrepiece program, the film addresses the complex issues of teenage pregnancy and abortion in the Philippines, while also spotlighting the challenges faced by aspiring Olympic athletes.
“Sunshine” follows a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant just before national team tryouts. It delves into the struggles faced by pregnant women in a predominantly Catholic country where abortion is illegal and unsafe procedures are prevalent. The film also explores the difficulties encountered by athletes in underfunded sports, with a focus on the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines ensuring accurate representation.
Jadaone, acclaimed for works like “That Thing Called Tadhana” and “Fan Girl,” aims to highlight significant social issues through this film. She emphasizes, “‘Sunshine’ represents the hundreds of thousands of girls who become pregnant as teenagers. About 500 Filipino teenagers become mothers every day.”
Maris Racal stars in the lead role, reflecting on her experience, “I am grateful to have played this important role, especially since abortion is such a sensitive topic in the Philippines. I learned about the sacrifices and dedication required of athletes.”
The film’s production involved Project 8 Projects, Anima Studios, Happy Infinite, and Cloudy Duck, with support from various film development programs including Busan Asian Film School and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Producer Bianca Balbuena highlights the film’s relevance, stating, “‘Sunshine’ tackles a taboo subject that is crucial in a world that often restricts women’s autonomy over their own bodies.”
The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 5-15, where Jadaone and producer Geo Lomuntad will represent “Sunshine.”
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