Maris Racal’s ‘Sunshine’ wins 2 major awards at Austin Asian American Film Fest
Maris Racal wearing a “Sunshine” T-shirt. Image: Instagram/@project8projects
It’s a double win for Filipina actress Maris Racal’s “Sunshine” as it bagged two major awards at the 2025 Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) in Texas.
The coming-of-age drama, directed by Antoinette Jadaone, took home the Narrative Feature Jury Award and the Narrative Feature Audience Award at the international festival.
“The winning film impressed the jury with the clarity of its storytelling, its potent sense of place, and an extraordinary lead performance by a striking new talent. The energetic heart of the film keeps us gripped throughout, drawing us into the world of our lead’s complex dilemma while persuasively reminding us that life is so often about the possibilities we extract from seemingly impossible situations,” read the Jury citation.
“Sunshine” follows the story of a young gymnast, played by Racal, who discovers she is pregnant just days before national team tryouts. Faced with the pressures of her athletic dreams and the strict anti-abortion laws in the Philippines, she sets out on a harrowing journey to terminate her pregnancy.
The film also stars Elijah Canlas as Sunshine’s boyfriend, Annika Co as the mysterious child, and Jennica Garcia, Meryll Soriano, and Xyriel Manabat in supporting roles. Piolo Pascual makes a special appearance as Padre Jaime.
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Prior to its wins in Austin, “Sunshine” premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to screen at the Far East Film Festival in Italy, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the Taipei Film Festival.
The Filipino film won the Crystal Bear for Best Film (Generation 14plus) at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year and was nominated for Best Youth Film at the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
The Austin Asian American Film Festival, held annually in Texas, is known for spotlighting stories from Asian and Asian American communities, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and local cultural agencies.
Racal, who underwent gymnastics training for the role, described “Sunshine” as one of the most demanding and emotional projects of her career.
In May, Canadian company Indiecan Entertainment secured the North American distribution rights for “Sunshine,” with plans for theatrical and digital release in late 2025. An English-language remake is also in development under producer Avi Federgreen.
“Sunshine” is set to screen next at the New York Asian Film Festival this July. /edv
