Antoinette Jadaone’s ‘Sunshine’ to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival this September

Antoinette Jadaone’s film, Sunshine, is set for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024.

Sunshine is a dramatic story of a young gymnast who finds out she’s pregnant just before trying out for the national team. It stars Maris Racal, Annika Co, Jennica Garcia, Elijah Canlas, Meryll Soriano, and Xyriel Manabat.

It is co-produced by ANIMA and Project 8 Projects, Jadaone and Dan Villegas' film production company.

Jadaone told Deadline that she aims to increase awareness of women's reproductive health challenges in the Philippines, a topic that is less openly discussed compared to Western societies.

“Sunshine represents the hundreds of thousands of girls who became pregnant in their teens,” Jadaone said. “These topics have always been taboo in the Philippines because of our deeply conservative roots, but when cases of teenage pregnancy and self-induced abortions rise every year, it is imperative that these stories be told.”

The 49th edition of the annual film festival in Toronto, Canada runs from Sept. 5 to 15.

According to TIFF, the full schedule for the screenings will be released on Aug. 13. The tickets will go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Aug. 16.

TIFF is dedicated to "presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema and creating transformational experiences for film lovers and creators of all ages and backgrounds."

Aside from film showings, they offer a diverse range of programs, including lectures, discussions, festivals, workshops, and events.