MANILA  -- Actress Maris Racal could not help but be emotional as she watched the trailer of her upcoming film, "Sunshine". 

"Sunshine" is included in the 49th Toronto International Film Festival as the festival's Centrepiece section along with 43 titles from countries like Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Panama, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and USA.

On Instagram, Racal couldn't help but wipe her tears as she shared her joy with the result of her hard work on the project.

"Di ako makapaniwala na natapos na namin ang pelikulang ‘Sunshine’ pagkatapos ng halos isang taon. Saludo sa mga bumubuo ng pelikulang ito, lalo na kay Direk Tonet na ilang taon itong trinabaho. Hanga ako sa dedikasyon at puso ng mga kasama ko rito. Para ito sa kababaihan at sa kanilang karapatang magpasya para sa sarili at sa kanilang katawan," the actress said. 

Aside from thanking the dedication of her director Antoinette Jadaone for the project, the actress also took pride in raising the profile of Philippine cinema.

"Nakakaproud na ang world premiere ng pelikulang ito ay sa TIFF 2024. Isang malaking karangalan ang magkaroon ng pagkakataong ibahagi ang pelikulang Pilipino sa buong mundo," Racal said followed by a white emoji heart.

"Sunshine" follows the story of a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts. On her way to a seller of illegal abortion drugs, she meets "a mysterious girl who eerily talks and thinks like her."

The Centrepiece section "honors and celebrates global cinematic achievements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films."

The 49th Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 5 to 15.

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