Maris Racal couldn't attend the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 (TIFF). And although it may be one of the most regrettable moments as an actress, she accepted her situation with so much grace. We're not just saying this because we're a Maris stan, but it was because of her empowering words towards her newest film, Sunshine. The film was selected to have its international screening at TIFF on September 13, 2024.
"It's not about me naman eh. What's important is may Filipino movie na kasama sa TIFF 2024," Maris declared in a TV Patrol report aired last September 12, 2024.
Before she left for the taping of her upcoming teleserye, Incognito, in Italy, Maris had the chance to briefly talk about why she couldn't come to TIFF. She explained that the real reason for her missed opportunity was really a conflict in her schedule. She's a really busy girlie, so she's not blaming anyone or anything at all.
Understanding the circumstances she's in, she said, "I appreciate naman the production and ABS-CBN, they really tried to move things around for me. 'Coz they really know how important TIFF is for me. They really tried to change the schedule but matagal na talaga naka-book 'yung Italy."
Maris Racal pacifies the Internet after TIFF 2024 absence
Fans really felt bad about Maris' non-appearance at the TIFF 2024. It should have been one of the international acting milestones for the 26-year-old actress. More than that, Sunshine is a film that she loves dearly—not just because she headlined it—but because of how the story deeply touched her heart.
To somewhat calm down some fans, Maris wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "I'm ok bbs! let's not get mad [insert heart emoji]" Maris also posted photos of the dress that her team prepared for her to wear at the TIFF 2024...if they had made it there.
"The dress I was supposed to wear for Toronto International Film Festival 2024," she wrote in her caption. The dress, designed by Marc Rancy, played around with the colors blue, white, and yellow—something that reminds us of the film's title.
Since it was announced that Sunshine is going to TIFF, fans have been clamoring for Maris to cancel all her plans and come to Toronto. Until the very last week before the premiere, Maris was still settling her visa matters. In short, Maris and her team seemed to have done everything in their power to make it.
Still, she was very happy that the film gained international viewers already. In fact, it was a sold-out world premiere at the TIFF! Days before her flight to Italy, Maris posted about it on her IG saying, "Just found out that SUNSHINE screenings at #TIFF2024 are now sold out! Wish I could be there with you guys (still hoping)"
Sunshine is about a Filipina gymnast aiming to join the Olympics. However, she finds out that she's pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts. Sunshine was directed by Antoinette Jadaone, who was present at the TIFF 2024 and was very proud of Maris. Their film is showing at the mentioned film festival until September 16th.
You can watch the official trailer of Sunshine here:
