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| The cast of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 entry “I’m Perfect” (Image Source: pelikula mania/Nathan Studios) |
As filming for the Down syndrome movie and Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 entry “I’m Perfect” wrapped, something truly beautiful unfolded. While the final day of any film shoot is typically a joyful ‘cast wrap’ party, the cast, crew and families found themselves instead in an emotional farewell. The film's Executive Producer Sylvia Sanchez, when asked for a message, started with a long, tearful, wordless bow. Not long after, the cast with Down Syndrome ran to her, overcome by love. They embraced her tightly, still no words spoken — their silence speaking volumes of the deep bond they shared with her and everyone during the course of the filming.
From an instant connection that began as soon as production started, each day of filming became a family-like ritual, a warm get-together with food and conversations in between takes, and punctuated by dance performances by the gifted cast. While unusual for a regular film shoot, the ‘dances’ had become a cherished routine: they did not just provide a dose of happy energy; they, along with constant “group hugs”, became a way for everyone to collectively express their love for one another. Each filming day was, after all, a moment to openly express emotions and celebrate: for the children with Down Syndrome and their parents, the project had become a beacon of hope — an affirmation of their right to exist, to live, and to love. The film had also become, from the outset, a “thank you” from its creators and producers for the honor of having been instruments to share an original and deeply human story. By the time the film hits cinemas nationwide on December 25, it will make Philippine film history as the very first to feature a love story between two persons with Down Syndrome. The genesis of “I’m Perfect” was as quiet and simple: it began when acclaimed director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the creative mind behind the mega-hit movie “Kita Kita”, once shared a clip from a 2014 production on Down Syndrome of hers to Sanchez, and the maverick producer didn’t hesitate: it was an immediate “yes” — a courageous and risky step for any studio, especially one without traditional “stars” in the lead roles; so how, then, to ensure its authenticity, its truth?
The search began. After extensive auditions, the perfect cast emerged. Leading the film are two remarkable individuals, Earl Amaba and Krystel Go, who are both new to acting and with the support of a vibrant ensemble of special individuals, most of them with Down Syndrome. Completing this extraordinary cast is a powerhouse lineup of respected actors: Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Zaijian Jaranilla, Sylvia Sanchez, and Lorna Tolentino. With humility in their hearts, the multi-awarded veteran support cast shared one common declaration: that they are willingly giving front-and-center space to these first-time actors who have yet to be fully recognized and embraced — in the industry and in society. Production commenced in October 2024. The journey took the cast and crew to diverse locations, most notably Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and a breathtaking rose farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental — picturesque settings in Mindanao which would become unforgettable backdrops for its poignant, defining scenes all the way to its powerful, climactic ending.
“I’m Perfect”, the film, and the advocacy — in all its simplicity and bravery — will soon take these gentle dreamers to their much-prayed-for spotlight, a once-in-a-lifetime moment of affirmation that all marginalized, overlooked and ‘invisible’ people so deeply deserve. Produced by Nathan Studios, “I’m Perfect” is rated G by the Movie and Television Review and Classifications Board (MTRCB).
