Actress-singer Maris Racal, the lead star of the much talked about film "Sunshine," flew to the United States early Wednesday to represent the movie at San Diego Filipino Film Festival.
Directed by acclaimed filmmakerAntoinette Jadaone, "Sunshine" tackles timely and sensitive issues, particularly women's rights and reproductive health.
Maris Racal grants an interview before her flight. ABS-CBN NewsIn an interview before her trip, Racal shared her excitement about the film receiving international attention.
“Up until now I still feel very grateful that I get to be Sunshine. I think it’s also a must na mapanood siya ng mas maraming tao, because the story holds a very important message especially for the young women,” she said.
The actress emphasized that it’s crucial for Filipino audiences to engage with the film's themes.
“I’m very glad that it started a conversation. Topic siya na iniiwasan dati at usually nangyayari lang sa tahimik lang. And I’m glad that a lot more Filipinos and women and Gen Zs are very open to talk about it, bravely, na hindi na natatakot.”
She added, “It’s really important to fight for women’s rights and especially with this very sensitive topic like reproductive health na marami ding mga batang babae na pinagdadaanan ‘to.”
Racal also expressed hope that "Sunshine" will eventually be shown in schools and communities across the Philippines, where it can raise awareness and spark conversations among the youth.
“Mas lumawak pa ang reach ng 'Sunshine' hindi lang internationally, sa local gusto ko mas lumalim pa. Mas marami pang mga teenager sana mapalabas siya sa school,” she said.
Racal also expressed her enthusiasm to connect with Filipino fans and fellow filmmakers while in the US, hoping for insightful exchanges with the Filipino community overseas.
She also shared that many Filipino fans in the UAE have been supporting the film.
"Sunshine" continues to gain momentum as it brings light to socially relevant issues through powerful storytelling.
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