Filipino actress Maris Racal and director Antoinette Jadaone’s film Sunshine has clinched the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, marking a significant achievement for Philippine cinema.
The Crystal Bear is the top award for films in Berlinale’s Generation sections, which spotlight stories about youth and their experiences. Sunshine competed under the Generation 14plus category, which highlights coming-of-age narratives featuring young protagonists from around the world.
Production company Project 8 Projects shared the exciting news on social media, prompting an outpouring of congratulations from fans. Many praised the film’s impact, with one comment noting that despite its setting being far from German reality, the story resonated deeply with the audience.
The film’s Berlinale screening was a major success, playing to a sold-out 1,000-seat theater. Director Jadaone, lead actor Elijah Canlas, and the film’s team participated in a Q&A session after receiving an extended round of applause.
Prior to heading to Germany, Racal expressed her excitement about attending the prestigious festival, calling it a long-time dream. She was eager to see how European audiences would receive the film and viewed the experience as an opportunity for growth and new perspectives.
Sunshine tells the story of a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant just before national team tryouts. As she searches for illegal abortion pills, she encounters a mysterious girl who eerily mirrors her thoughts and emotions.
