Maris Racal’s upcoming film “Sunshine” to make its world premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) | Image: Instagram/@tonetjadaone
Maris Racal‘s upcoming film “Sunshine” is set to make its world premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of the festival’s Centrepiece section in September.
TIFF unveiled its 2024 Centrepiece program lineup, featuring 43 titles from filmmakers representing 41 countries, including Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Panama, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the USA.
“Another timely film covering pressing social issues is Antoinette Jadaone’s Sunshine, from the Philippines, starring up-and-coming Maris Racal (her third collaboration with the filmmaker), who plays a young gymnast who discovers she’s pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts,” wrote the organizers in a statement.
The Filipina filmmaker took to social media to celebrate the announcement.
“It’s out!!!! SUNSHINE’s world premiere is at TIFF (Centrepiece section) [crying emojis] sorry na ma, first time ko (I’m sorry, mother, it’s my first time) [red heart emojis] thank you everybody who helped me develop and make this [heart sign emojis],” Jadaone wrote in her caption.
READ: Carlos Yulo’s message to mom ‘distasteful’ but understandable, says Rica Peralejo
“Sunshine” follows a young gymnast (Racal) who discovers she is pregnant ahead of her tryouts for the national team. As she navigates the unexpected pregnancy, she looks for a seller of illegal abortion drugs and meets “a mysterious girl who eerily talks and thinks like her” along the way.
The Centrepiece section aims to “honor and celebrate global cinematic achievements by inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films.”
“The program 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,” added the festival organizers.
The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will run from September 5 to 15.
The news comes on the heels of national interest in gymnastics following the double-gold victory of gymnast Carlos Yulo at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as his rift with his mother, Angelica.