Sunshine wins Crystal Bear at Berlin Film Festival

Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone and starring Maris Racal, won the Crystal Bear for Best Film in the Generation 14plus section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on Friday, February 21 (Philippine time).

The film explores young women's reproductive rights in the Philippines and follows a young gymnast who becomes pregnant during national team tryouts and struggles to access abortion services.

Sunshine premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last August and made its US premiere as an official selection at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January.

Jadaone and actor EJ Canlas attended the European premiere of Sunshine in Berlinale, while Maris Racal was present for the opening ceremony but left Germany before her film's premiere.

Producer Bianca Balbuena noted that this is the third project she has produced to win at Berlinale, following Lav Diaz’s 'Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis' and Pham Ngoc Lan’s 'Cu Li Never Cries'.

The Generation 14plus Youth Jury described Sunshine as deeply moving and not exaggerated, noting its dark yet hopeful atmosphere and impressive stylistic elements that create an immersive reality.

Sunshine's impact resonated with the jury long after the credits rolled, making it a film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.