Kapamilya actress Maris Racal recently made headlines as she shared exciting details about her latest international film, “Sunshine.” The actress broke her social media silence to inform fans about the film’s upcoming screenings at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).
Racal took to Instagram on January 4, where she posted the film’s promotional materials. The post, visible to her followers for 24 hours, featured the film’s poster along with a schedule of its screenings. She encouraged her audience to secure tickets for the event by captioning, “Hello, Palm Springs International Film Festival! Get your tickets now.”
The US premiere of “Sunshine” is set for January 6 at 10 p.m. and will be held at Festival Theaters 3. Subsequent screenings are scheduled for January 9 at Camelot 1 and January 11 at Festival Theaters 2. After each screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a special Q&A session with the film’s director, Antoinette Jadaone.
The first screening on January 4 quickly sold out, reflecting the growing anticipation for the film’s international debut. The Palm Springs International Film Festival, running from January 2 to 13, is known for showcasing exceptional independent films. It has previously featured films that have gone on to become contenders at the Academy Awards. “Sunshine” is part of the festival’s World Cinema Now section.
In “Sunshine,” Maris Racal plays the role of a young gymnast who navigates the complexities of teenage pregnancy while competing for a spot on the national team. Amidst these challenges, the plot introduces a mysterious character that brings forth revelations affecting her understanding of family and resilience.
The film’s involvement in the Palm Springs festival was announced by Project 8 Projects, the production house behind “Sunshine.” They expressed their excitement on Instagram, exclaiming, “Sunshine goes to the US!” The project has already gained international attention, having been featured in the 49th Toronto International Film Festival’s Centrepiece section in September 2024. This section highlighted 43 films from a diverse range of countries.
The film festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work to an international audience. With the inclusion of “Sunshine,” the festival continues its tradition of bringing diverse storytelling to the forefront, appreciating unique narratives from around the world. Fans and critics alike have their eyes on “Sunshine,” eager to see how this new story unfolds on the big screen.