As filming for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry “I’mPerfect” drew to a close, a beautiful moment emerged.
While the final day of any film shoot is usually marked by a celebratory ‘cast wrap’ party, this time the cast, crew, and families faced an emotional farewell.
When Executive Producer Sylvia Sanchez was asked to share her thoughts, she began with a heartfelt, tearful bow. Moments later, the cast members with Down Syndrome rushed to her, filled with love. They enveloped her in tight embraces, their silence embodying the deep bond forged throughout the filming process. What started as an instant connection blossomed into a family-like dynamic, with each day becoming a warm gathering filled with food, laughter, and heartfelt conversations between takes, highlighted by lively dance performances from the talented cast.
This unique aspect of the production added joyous energy and provided a means for everyone to express their affection through “group hugs.” Each filming day was a celebration of emotions and a source of hope for the children with Down Syndrome and their families, affirming their right to exist, live, and love. The film has also emerged as a heartfelt “thank you” from its creators for the opportunity to share such an original and deeply human story.
The inception of “I’mPerfect” was both quiet and straightforward. Box-office director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the visionary behind the hit film “Kita Kita,” shared a clip from a past production about Down Syndrome with Sanchez. The newbie producer instantly responded with an enthusiastic “yes,” taking a bold risk for a studio, particularly one that lacked traditional “stars” in lead roles. The question then became: how to ensure the film’s authenticity?
The search for the perfect cast began. After extensive auditions, the lead roles were filled by two remarkable newcomers, Earl Amaba and Krystel Go, who are supported by an amazing ensemble of individuals, most of whom have Down Syndrome. This exceptional cast also features a powerhouse group of respected actors, including Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Zaijian Jaranilla, Sylvia Sanchez, and Lorna Tolentino, who have graciously chosen to give these first-time actors the spotlight they deserve, amplifying their voices in an industry that has yet to fully recognize them.
Production began in October 2024 and took the cast and crew to stunning locations, including Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and a breathtaking rose farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. These picturesque settings in Mindanao provided unforgettable backdrops for the film’s poignant and defining scenes leading to its powerful climax.
“I’mPerfect,” both the film and its advocacy, embodies simplicity and bravery, poised to bring these gentle dreamers into the spotlight they have long deserved.
