Kapamilya actress Maris Racal has confirmed that she will not be attending the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where her film “Sunshine”, the only Filipino entry, is set to premiere.
The actress revealed in an interview with ABS-CBN News that she has prior commitments to shoot scenes for her upcoming action series “Incognito” in Italy, where she stars alongside on-screen partner Anthony Jennings, Daniel Padilla, Richard Gutierrez, Baron Geisler, Ian Veneracion, and Kaila Estrada.
“I made a committment kasi and this (Incognito shoot in Italy) is booked na way early this year,” Maris explained.
“I appreciate naman the production and ABS-CBN, they really tried to move things around for me ‘cause they know how important TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) is for me.”
Racal shared that it would have been possible to accommodate the festival if the shoot were in the Philippines, but the complexities of the Italy schedule, including pre-booked locations, made it impossible to attend TIFF.
They really tried to change the schedule but matagal na talagang naka-book ‘yung Italy,” the actress explained, “Doable naman sana kung sa Pilipinas lang ‘yung shoot, kaso sa Italy kasi ang daming madadamay na schedules, na-book na mga places.”
Maris further shared that she had received her passport and Canadian visa on the morning of her Italy flight, “My visa got approved kaninang umaga (September 10). Heartbreaking. But it’s not about me naman eh, the important thing is there is a Filipino movie na kasama sa TIFF 2024.”
Despite the heartbreak, Racal expressed pride in the Filipino film’s inclusion at TIFF and will support it from Italy.
“I’ll be there in spirit. Beaming with pride, I’m in Italy to support them,” said Racal.
She was moved by the positive reaction to the trailer and is grateful to director Antoinette Jadaone for trusting her with such a significant role and expressed her excitement about the film’s reception.
According to the director, no major promotional plans were set for Sunshine, but the unexpected trailer release on August 30 took everyone by surprise.
“Hindi ko in-expect na ganun ‘yung pagka-accept ng trailer. A tear fell. Sobrang natuwa ako, kasi ang daming lumabas na tao na they were rooting for you since day one,” reacted Maris.
She added, “Thankful din ako for Direk Tonet for trusting me with this huge responsibility. Hindi biro ‘yung role na ‘yun.”
Maris also reflected on the challenges of filming Sunshine, which she revealed took place simultaneously with her other project, Can’t Buy Me Love.
“I was shooting that while shooting Can’t Buy Me Love. There are days talaga na lutang na ko. But everything was really worth it. Literal na blood, sweat, and tears upon making the film. I’m so happy na mapapanood na siya ng mundo,” Racal shared.
Maris recently shared photos of the outfit that she was supposed to wear at the prestigious event, remaining hopeful for the film’s success and expressing eagerness for Filipino audiences to eventually see the film.
“Excited na ako umikot ang pelikulang Sunshine sa buong mundo! At sana mapalabas na to sa Pilipinas soon,” the actress captioned her post.
Sunshine tells the story of a young rhythmic gymnast, played by Maris, preparing to join the national team, only to discover she is pregnant just days before tryouts.
