Maris Racal still hoping to attend Toronto film fest for ‘Sunshine’

Maris Racal and a poster of her new film “Sunshine.” Images: Netflix Philippines, Instagram/@mariesteller

Maris Racal may not be able to attend the 2024 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which will begin this Friday, Sept. 6 in Ontario, Canada, to promote her movie, “Sunshine.”

On X, Racal addressed queries if she would be able to attend the screening of her movie on the TIFF stage, but said that she still isn’t sure, citing a conflict in her schedule due to previous work commitments. She, however, remained hopeful that another opportunity will come along to be able to represent the Antoinette Jadaone-helmed film.

“Alam ko, alam ko sino mga nandun iiyak na ako. Please may conflict lang talaga sa schedule. Next time ko nalang siguro ma-meet asawa ko huhu. Love you Cate Blanchett,” she said, she said of the Australian Hollywood actress. “Ilalaban pa rin natin ang mga Filipino movies! Marami pang chances!! (This is what I tell myself para mawala yung inggit huh).”

(I know who will be there. I feel like I want to cry. It’s just that there was a conflict in the schedule. Hopefully, I’ll meet my wife soon. I love you, Cate Blanchett. We will still fight for Filipino movies. There are still a lot of chances. This is what I tell myself so I wouldn’t be too envious.)

alam ko alam ko sino mga nandun iiyak na ako pls may conflict lang talaga sa schedule. next time ko nalang siguro mameet asawa ko huhu love u cate blanchett. 🥲

ilalabarin parin natin ang mga filipino movies! marami pang chances!! (this is what i tell myself para mawala yung… https://t.co/rZZjPa0gl5

— Maris Racal (@MissMarisRacal) August 31, 2024

“Sunshine” tells the story of a teen gymnast named Sunshine, played by Racal, who’s having a dilemma of whether to continue carrying her unborn child or resort to abortion so as not to derail her flourishing career.

In a separate post, the actress hinted to one @tiabloomonsoon that discussions are being made concerning her schedule. It remains unknown, however, if she will have a chance to attend the festival.

The aforementioned X user, who asked Racal if she would attend the festival, set their account to private, as of press time.

nilalalaban po. pls send good energy!!
🕯️ 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ https://t.co/N6qrR2a72a

— Maris Racal (@MissMarisRacal) September 1, 2024

In an interview with entertainment platform Variety Philippines, Racal hoped the film would spark conversations about abortion, as it’s a “sensitive topic” in the country.

“I am grateful to have played this important role especially since abortion is such a sensitive topic in the Philippines,” she was quoted as saying. “I learned the weight that you carry when you are an athlete, the things that you have to give up, and the hours that you have to dedicate to training.”

The Project 8 Projects-helmed film also stars Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat, and Jennica Garcia.

Racal is also set to star in the upcoming drama “Incognito” and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “And The Breadwinner Is…”