Maris Racal starrer ‘Sunshine’ to make US premiere

MANILA, Philippines — Maris Racal’s film “Sunshine” about teen pregnancy has been selected to be part of the US-based Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

Palm Springs International Film Festival has been described as a prestigious event that showcases international and independent films, and is often referred to as “first stop on the road to the Academy Awards.”

Producer Project 8 Projects made the announcement in a recent Instagram post, proudly writing, “Sunshine goes to the US!”

Helmed by Antonette Jadaone, “Sunshine” will be screened under the film festival’s World Cinema Now section in January 2025.

The film tackles socio-moral issues such as unwanted pregnancy, illegal abortion and the struggles of local athletes aspiring to join prestigious competitions like the Olympics.

According to the synopsis, Maris plays the titular character, a young rhythmic gymnast who is bound for the national team. However, days before tryouts, Sunshine discovers she is pregnant.

“On her way to a seller of illegal abortion drugs, Sunshine meets a mysterious girl who eerily thinks and talks like her,” said the film’s synopsis.

“Sunshine” previously made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September and received nomination at Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in October.

The news comes after Maris made showbiz headlines in a “cheating” controversy involving loveteam partner Anthony Jennings. The onscreen partners have since issued statements of apology.