Maris Racal turns emotional watching ‘Sunshine’ trailer ahead of TIFF 2024

Maris Racal turns emotional watching the trailer of her upcoming movie “Sunshine,” which will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024. | Image: Instagram/@mariesteller

Maris Racal couldn’t help but shed tears as she watched the official trailer of her upcoming movie “Sunshine,” one of the film entries in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 this September.

The Filipino actress took to Instagram to share her reaction as she witnessed for the first time her and her team’s work brought to life via the trailer.

“Di ako makapaniwala na natapos na namin ang pelikulang ‘Sunshine’ pagkatapos ng halos isang taon. Saludo sa mga bumubuo ng pelikulang ito, lalo na kay Direk Tonet na ilang taon itong trinabaho. Hanga ako sa dedikasyon at puso ng mga kasama ko rito. Para ito sa kababaihan at sa kanilang karapatang magpasya para sa sarili at sa kanilang katawan,” she wrote in the caption as she was seen crying in the video.

(I can’t believe that we have finished the movie ‘Sunshine’ after almost a year. Salute to the makers of this film, especially to Director Tonet, who has been working on it for years. I am impressed by the dedication and heart of my colleagues here. This is for the women and their right to decide for themselves and their bodies.)

“Nakakaproud na ang world premiere ng pelikulang ito ay sa TIFF 2024. Isang malaking karangalan ang magkaroon ng pagkakataong ibahagi ang pelikulang Pilipino sa buong mundo [white heart emoji],” added the actress.

(We are proud that the world premiere of this film will be at TIFF 2024. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to share a Filipino film with the rest of the world.)

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Racal shared that she wouldn’t be able to attend the upcoming festival due to prior schedule.

“Sunshine” centers on a young gymnast (Racal) who discovers she is pregnant ahead of her tryouts for the national team. Facing a big dilemma, she looks for a way to abort the pregnancy. 

Aside from Racal, the movie features Annika Co, Jennica Garcia, Elijah Canlas, Meryll Soriano and Xyriel Manabat.

TIFF 2024 will showcase 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 US.

The 49th edition of the TIFF will run from Sept. 5 to 15 in Toronto, Canada.