Marketed as a sports drama, “Sunshine” plays out with the precision of a perfectly executed basketball play.
Antoinette Jadaone, as both director and writer, takes the role of a poised point guard, orchestrating every element of the film with remarkable intention. From the layered screenplay and evocative production design to the deliberate use of silence in place of music, every bit feels carefully placed.
But don’t expect Queen’s “We Are the Champions” or a triumphant sports montage. “Sunshine” is unconventional, shining a light on the struggles that take place beyond the arena, the ones that often matter more.
The film tells the story of teen gymnast Sunshine (Maris Racal), who discovers she is pregnant just days before the national team tryouts for the Olympics. Faced with an uphill battle, she fights to hold on to her dream while confronting a reality that could redefine her future.
Racal trained for a year to embody her role, a commitment that translated into a performance both raw and quietly moving. In interviews, she shared how the project challenged her and expanded her range as an actress.
In February 2025, “Sunshine” earned international acclaim when it won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. In April, Racal first watched “Sunshine” during its Italian premiere at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy.
“‘Sunshine’ is up against big Hollywood films but Filipino films are holding their own because of people like you who support our own films,” said Jadaone as she addressed the audience.
“I’m really excited for you guys to witness the journey of Sunshine. You’re in for a beautiful and eye-opening ride,” added Racal.
The film’s world is unapologetically real. Its portrayal of Manila feels immediate and unpolished but somehow excellent — homes lit only by the kind of shadows the city knows, dialogue that moves naturally between Filipino and English, and characters calling for a tricycle in emergencies instead of cinematic taxis. These small yet deliberate details, among others, anchor the story in authenticity.
With a script developed since 2020 and performances honed to precision, “Sunshine” is an hour and a half of Filipino drama that refuses to compromise its vision. Now showing in SM Cinemas nationwide, the film stands as proof that when intention and artistry meet, local cinema can create moments of sheer brilliance.