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One of the most talked-about entries in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival 2025, I’mPerfect, officially introduced itself to the public during a well-attended press conference that highlighted the film’s powerful message of love, inclusivity, and acceptance.
Held in Gateway Mall 2, the gathering radiated the same warmth and intimacy that defined the film’s production journey. Nathan Studios’ Executive Producer Sylvia Sanchez set the tone with a tearful bow, her emotions spilling over as she recalled the bonds formed on set.
Director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, celebrated for her hit “Kita Kita”, shared how the project began with a simple clip she once showed Sanchez. That quiet exchange sparked an immediate “yes,” a leap of faith into a film without conventional stars but with authenticity at its core. As Bernardo spoke, it was clear that “I’mPerfect” was never just about cinema—it was about courage, representation, and telling a story that had long been overlooked.
The spotlight then turned to the film’s leads, Earl Amaba and Krystel Go, both first-time actors with Down syndrome. Their presence drew warm applause, while veteran performers Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Zaijian Jaranilla, Lorna Tolentino, and Sanchez herself expressed admiration for the newcomers. The seasoned cast emphasized that they were proud to step back and give center stage to these fresh voices, a declaration that resonated deeply with the audience. The ensemble cast also highlighted the collaborative and safe environment fostered on set, which allowed them to tell the story with honesty and heart.
Behind the scenes, the production was described as a family-like ritual. Each day of filming was punctuated by shared meals, conversations, and impromptu dance performances from the cast—moments that became cherished routines. The entire cast recalled how these dances weren’t just entertainment but pure joy, a way of expressing love and energy that carried everyone through the shoot. Filming took the team to breathtaking locations in Mindanao, including Nasipit in Agusan del Norte and a rose farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, settings that added cinematic beauty and emotional resonance to the story’s climactic scenes.
As the press conference drew to a close, Sanchez reminded everyone that “I’mPerfect” is both an advocacy and a gift. “This is our thank you—for allowing us to share a story that affirms the right of every person to exist, to live, and to love,” she said. In a moment that silenced the room, members of the cast with Down syndrome rushed to embrace her, their spontaneous gesture embodying the love and acceptance at the heart of the movie.
The film, set to premiere this December 25, will make history as the first Philippine love story featuring persons with Down syndrome.
