Maris Racal’s “Sunshine” celebrates another milestone as it won two awards at the Austin Asian American Film Festival 2025 (AAAFF).
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube: PROJECT 8 PROJECTS
On July 2, Project 8 Projects announced that the coming-of-age sports film won the “Narrative Feature Jury Award” and the “Narrative Feature Audio Award at the AAAFF.
DOUBLE WIN for Sunshine at the Austin Asian American Film Festival 2025! 🌞🏆
Narrative Feature Jury Award and Narrative Feature Audience Award!!!
Thank you so much, AAAFF! pic.twitter.com/ZbqM44rwc7
— Project 8 Projects (@project8proj) July 2, 2025
“DOUBLE WIN for Sunshine at the Austin Asian American Film Festival 2025!” the film production company wrote. “Thank you so much, AAAFF!”
According to the jury citation, they were “impressed” with the film’s storytelling and lead performance.
“The winning film impressed the jury with the clarity of its storytelling, its potent sense of place, and an extraordinary lead performance by a striking new talent. The energetic heart of the film keeps us gripped throughout, drawing us into the world of our lead’s complex dilemma while persuasively reminding us that life is so often about the possibilities we extract from seemingly impossible situations,” the jury said.
Written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone, “Sunshine” follows the story of a young gymnast who suddenly discovers she is pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts. Aside from Maris, the film also featured Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat, Meryll Soriano, Jennica Garcia, and Annika Co.
The sports drama film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was also a part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Moreover, it received a nomination for “Best Youth Film” at the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards and won the prestigious Crystal Bear for Best Film in the Generation 14plus section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in February.
“Sunshine” is coming to Philippine theaters on July 23.
ALSO READ: Maris Racal Gets Emotional Watching the Trailer for Her Film “Sunshine”
