Filipino-Chinese actress and producer Rebecca Chuaunsu has found her voice and expressed her own narrative through J.E. Tiglao's movie “Her Locket," which will be released in theaters on January 22. 

To showcase the film that’s dear to her heart, Chuaunsu hosted a special screening last Wednesday at Fishermall Cinema in Quezon City, which was attended by cast members Boo Gabunada, Sophie Ng, and Francis Mata, members of the Fil-Chi community, and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee. 

“The theme of women empowerment and gender equality is truly universal,” she said.

'Her Locket' executive producer Rebecca Chuaunsu with cast members Sophie Ng, Boo Gabunada, and Francis Mata at the special screening in Quezon City. Photo by Josh Mercado

Discussing the film’s plot, Chuaunsu added, “The story has been developing for 32 years. Throughout the pandemic, we were brainstorming. We had to develop the screenplay via Zoom. During the photoshoot, my husband diagnosed with an illness. On the last day of the shoot, I had to rush him to the hospital. During the post editing, he passed away. It holds sentimental value for me.”

In “Her Locket,” Chuaunsu plays Jewel Ouyang, an aging Filipino-Chinese woman who recalls memories from her past while suffering from dementia.

According to her, there is power in expressing a story of women's resilience and overcoming obstacles on their path to independence.

Her persistent and honest performance earned her Best Actress awards at the Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taipei and the Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco.

At the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024, the film won eight awards, including Best Film, Best Director and Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Ensemble Acting.

The award-winning movie has also taken part in the Marche Du Film - Festival De Cannes (2023) in France, the London East Asia International Film Festival (2023) in the United Kingdom, the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (2024) in Bangladesh, and the San Diego Film Festival USA (2024).

“I'm so happy that ‘Her Locket’ will be screened nationwide this coming January 2025, so many more kababayans will experience a film that is inspired by a true story,” she shared. 

Gabunada added, “This movie is somewhat like a love letter to the community. There’s love, truth, and empowerment.”

“Her Locket” also stars Elora Españo, Benedict Cua, Jian Repolles, Tommy Alejandrino, Zoey Villamangca, Norman Ong, Nellie Ang See, Angela Villarin, Ashlee Factor, Matthew Seaver Choy, Roberto Uy Kieng, George See, Rolando Inocencio, Atty. Kesterson Kua, Atty. Allan Jao, and Dr. Philip Tan Gatue. 

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