The latest from Filipina filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone is a dramatic story of a young gymnast who finds out she’s pregnant just before trying out for the national team.
Young and talented, Sunshine (Maris Racal) is admired by all the other aspiring gymnasts. Her spot practically secured on the national team, the upcoming tryout seems just a formality. But during practice her perfect form falters, and the day brings Sunshine a terrifying realization — she might be pregnant, jeopardizing her career.
Shaken by a positive reading on a home pregnancy test, Sunshine jumps on a jeepney, asking the driver to take her wherever. The jeepney’s name — Gift of God — seems to ask age-old questions about reproductive rights. Her morality is tested.
Overcome by fear, but still desperate and determined to continue her dream path as a gymnast, Sunshine searches the dark corners of a market to get her hands on abortifacients. At the same time, she runs into a mysterious young girl who seems to know more about her than she knows herself.
Up-and-coming actor Racal executes the troubled athlete with immense emotion and realism under seasoned filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone’s direction. As Sunshine continues her quest, she must fight through the hardships at hand, including an irresponsible boyfriend, fast-approaching qualifiers, and most of all, the fact that abortions in the Philippines are illegal.
Sunshine’s depiction of healthcare, conservative religious culture, and the lack of access to reproductive support may be location-specific, but the issues raised are universal, relatable, and timely. Will she find a way to make her dream come true despite all the hurdles?
JUNE KIM
Content advisory: violence, mature themes, drug use, coarse language
Screenings
Scotiabank 13
Scotiabank 14
Scotiabank 11
Scotiabank 7