Film director Antoinette Jadaone opened up about her creative process in directing and writing Sunshine starring Maris Racal.
In an interview with Rolling Stone Philippines, Antoinette shared the central theme of the movie. "Maraming issue kasi na mata-tackle pero ultimately naniniwala siya na kung ano 'yung gustong desisyon na gusto ng babae para sa sarili niya, ang gagawa lang ng desisyon na 'yun ay 'yung babae, babae lang," she remarked.
The film director also discussed her writing process, explaining that her stories don't begin with a message, but with a character or idea she feels strongly about.
"As a writer nagsisimula lagi 'yung kwento ko hindi sa statement, nagsisimula siya dun sa kwento na gusto kong gawin, " she relayed. "So may maisip akong kwento, may masip akong character, tapos habang sinusulat ko siya, journey ko rin siya dun sa paghanap nung gusto kong sabihin as a director. So habang nagde-develop ako ng Sunshine, kasabay nun 'yung pag-research ko dun sa mundo ni Sunshine. Tsaka pa lang pumapasok lahat."
She added that despite the sensitive nature of the film’s subject, she didn't find it daunting because her loyalty was always to the character.
"Habang ginagawa ko siya parang 'yung loyalty ko is to Sunshine, the story of Sunshine. And wherever that will lead us to, ang promise ko kay Sunshine, kasama niya ako. So parang as a writer, kung ang character ko ay pipili ng left or right, ang maa-assure ko sa kanya, sa tama o mali, kakampi niya ako as a writer," she said.
Antoinette acknowledged that the character’s decisions might spark debate but emphasized that mistakes are part of growth. "May parts ng script na magkaka-wrong turn, na feeling mo mali 'yung desisyon niya, pero okay lang kasi sino bang hindi nagkamali sa desisyon? Ang importante 'yung journey niya from point A to point B."
Sunshine follows the story of "a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts. On her way to a seller of illegal abortion drugs, she meets a mysterious girl who eerily talks and thinks like her," as per IMDb.
Sunshine is set to be released in SM Cinemas on July 23.
Back in February, the movie won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.