Photo via Maris Racal (@mariesteller) / Instagram
The Filipino sports drama Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone, won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The film competed in the Generation 14plus category, which highlights youth-centered stories with strong social themes.
The Generation 14plus Youth Jury selected Sunshine for its powerful storytelling and socially relevant message. The jury praised its sensitive approach to complex issues and its ability to engage audiences on an emotional level. They highlighted how the film’s dark yet hopeful atmosphere made a lasting impact.
The film’s premiere at Berlinale drew a full house at a 1,000-seat theater. Director Antoinette Jadaone, actor Elijah Canlas, and the production team attended the screening. The event concluded with a minute-long applause, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Filipino fans celebrated the victory online. Social media buzzed with messages of congratulations for the cast and crew. One viewer noted that despite its setting being far from Germany, the film’s themes resonated deeply with the audience.
Maris Racal’s First International Film Festival
Lead actress Maris Racal attended Berlinale’s opening ceremony on February 13, wearing a lime green chiffon gown by designer Jot Losa. Before leaving for Germany, she shared her excitement about the competition.
“It has always been my dream to attend an international film festival like Berlinale,” Racal said in an interview. She expressed her eagerness to see how European audiences would react to the film’s bold storytelling.
Sunshine follows a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant just before national team tryouts. On her way to obtain illegal abortion drugs, she meets a mysterious girl who eerily mirrors her own thoughts and emotions.
The jury described the film as socially critical and emotionally compelling. They commended its balanced moral perspectives and its realistic portrayal of pressing social issues.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 before making its way to Berlinale in 2025. Its success at Berlinale highlights the growing international recognition of Filipino cinema and its ability to tell stories that transcend cultural boundaries.
With Sunshine’s victory, Filipino filmmakers continue to gain global recognition. The film’s win at Berlinale adds to the growing presence of Philippine cinema in prestigious international festivals. This success may open doors for more Filipino films to be showcased on the world stage.
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