Maris Racal. Image: Instagram/@animastudiosph, @project8projects, @cloudyduckpictures
Maris Racal starrer “Sunshine” is set to have its United States premiere, as it will be screened under the World Cinema Now section at the Palm Springs International Film Fest in California.
Film production company Project 8 Projects announced the movie’s feat via its Instagram page on Tuesday, Dec. 10, which came in the wake of the cheating controversy involving the actress and her love team partner Anthony Jennings.
“‘Sunshine’ is an official selection to the Palm Springs International Film Festival under the World Cinema Now section!” it said. “This is the film’s US Premiere.”
It further noted that the prestigious film festival is known to be “the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards.”
In the Antoinette Jadaone-helmed movie, Racal plays the role of a young gymnast named Sunshine, whose budding career as a rhythmic gymnast on the national team was put on hold after she discovered that she was pregnant.
Aside from Racal, other cast members include Jennica Garcia, Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat and Meryll Soriano.
“Sunshine” had its movie premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last September, which Racal was not able to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
The movie also earned a nomination for Best Youth Film award at the 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA).