Antoinette Jadaone’s internationally acclaimed film, Sunshine, starring Maris Racal, is set to screen in Philippine cinemas this July — in its full, uncut version.
On June 3, production company Project 8 Projects confirmed on its social media pages that the film will be released locally in July, marking the first time Filipino audiences will see the complete version on the big screen.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has given the film an R-16 rating for its “very sensitive themes” which include “child abuse, child rape, drug use, pre-marital sex, teen pregnancy, and abortion” — subjects deemed unsuitable for audiences below 16 years old.
“Further discussion of these very sensitive topics are encouraged between families, especially teen-agers and young adults, as well as seeking guidance and counseling from professionals,” the MTRCB stated on its official website.
Sunshine premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later earned a “Best Youth Film” nomination at the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards in October 2024. The film also screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival under the World Cinema Now section and won the Crystal Bear award at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February.
Maris attended its European premiere at the Far East Film Festival in Italy last April.
Most recently, the film has been picked up for North American theatrical distribution by Indiecan Entertainment. According to Screen International, as reported by The Philippine STAR, the company also acquired the remake rights, with Indiecan’s Avi Federgreen set to direct the English-language adaptation, produced by Federgreen Entertainment and Sine Media Inc.
Alongside co-stars , Racal portrays the role of
Sunshine, starring Racal and co-stars Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat, Jennica Garcia, Annika Co, and Meryll Soriano, tells the story of a young gymnast who discovers she’s pregnant just days before the national team tryouts—tackling struggles of local athletes aspiring to join prestigious sports competitions like the Olympics.
