Hard work truly pays off, and Maris Racal is living proof as she graces the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale. If that wasn't impressive enough, well, she just walked the same red carpet as Hollywood stars like Timothee Chalamet and Tilda Swinton!
ICYDK, Maris is attending the prestigious festival in Germany, which runs from February 13 to 23, for her film Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone. The film also stars fellow Filipino actors Xyriel Manabat and Elijah Canlas.
Sunshine tells the story of a gymnast, played by Maris, who dedicates herself to qualifying for the national team. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she is pregnant, leading her to grapple with the decision of terminating the pregnancy.
Three weeks ago, Maris took to Instagram to share the exciting news that Sunshine would be competing in Berlinale’s Generation 14plus category.
"Bringing Sunshine to Berlinale 2025. Grateful for this incredible journey and the chance to share our story on such a prestigious stage. SUNSHINE is set to make its European premiere under the Generation 14plus Competition!" the actress wrote.
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According to Berlinale’s official page, the Generation 14plus category showcases coming-of-age stories that are thought-provoking.
"Stories that are told through the eyes of their young protagonists and which make their worlds tangible. Films that matter, that open doors to unfamiliar worlds. Films that demand bravery, displaying intersectional perspectives and encouraging collective solutions. Films that hold up a mirror to the adult world," Berlinale's website said.
Maris Racal At Berlin International Film Festival
Maris shared this milestone via Instagram, looking youthful and regal as she walked the Berlinale red carpet. She wore a vibrant yellow dress adorned with a Sampaguita accent at the neckline, complemented by simple accessories and hoop earrings.
In an ABS-CBN interview before her departure for Germany, Maris expressed her excitement about attending such a prestigious event.
"Matagal ko 'tong hinintay na maka-attend sa isang prestigious film festival like Berlinale.. Super happy kami kasi it’s only one of the two films in competition, it's a huge thing for us," Maris said.
"I'm just gonna be there, be present. Be a sponge there, absorbing everything. I know this will open a lot of new perspective for me, and hopefully a lot of doors too," she added.
