I’mPerfect redefines love and representation in MMFF 2025

Long before the cameras stopped rolling and the final scenes were sealed in memory, I’mPerfect had already become something far greater than a film. As production quietly came to an end, the usual cheers and wrap-party rituals were replaced by tears, embraces, and a profound sense of shared purpose. What unfolded was not simply the conclusion of a shoot, but the closing of a chapter in a deeply human journey, one rooted in love, trust, and long-overdue representation.

At the heart of that final day was an unspoken moment that captured the soul of the project. When executive producer Sylvia Sanchez was asked to say a few words, she could only bow, overwhelmed by emotion. Before language could catch up, the film’s lead cast members, actors with Down syndrome, ran to her and wrapped her in a collective embrace. There were no speeches, no rehearsed sentiments. The silence spoke clearly: this was family.

Throughout filming, the set of I’mPerfect evolved into a safe space where routine gave way to ritual. Between takes, meals were shared like family gatherings, conversations flowed freely, and spontaneous dance numbers erupted, joyful expressions that became as essential as the scenes themselves. Group hugs were not exceptions but constants. For the cast and their families, every shooting day was a declaration of visibility and worth, a reminder that their stories mattered and deserved to be seen.

Set to make history as the first Filipino romantic film to place persons with Down syndrome at the center of its narrative, I’mPerfect arrives as an official entry in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival. Its very existence challenges long-held industry assumptions about who gets to be seen as romantic, capable, and fully human on screen.

The film’s origins trace back many years earlier, sparked by a long-held vision of director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. Known for her emotionally resonant storytelling, Bernardo nurtured the idea for over a decade, believing that love stories need not follow familiar molds to be universal. When the concept was finally shared with Sanchez, the response was immediate and resolute. Despite the absence of traditional box-office formulas, the project was given a rare and unwavering vote of confidence.

Authenticity became the guiding principle from the very beginning. Casting was done with care and patience, leading to the discovery of Earl Jonathan Amaba and Anne Krystel Daphne Go, who take on the lead roles of Jiro and Jessica. New to acting, both bring a natural sincerity to their performances, supported by an ensemble that includes individuals with Down syndrome whose lived experiences shape the film’s emotional core.

Surrounding them is a formidable lineup of veteran performers, among them Janice de Belen, Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, Zaijian Jaranilla, and Sylvia Sanchez herself, who approached the project with humility and intention. From the outset, the seasoned cast shared a collective understanding: this was not their moment to dominate the frame, but to make space, amplify new voices, and stand alongside stories that have too often been sidelined.

Filming began in October 2024 and brought the production to striking locations across Mindanao, including Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and the rose-filled landscapes of Claveria, Misamis Oriental. These settings provided not just visual beauty, but emotional grounding, serving as quiet witnesses to a story that builds toward a tender yet powerful conclusion.

At its core, I’mPerfect tells the story of an unexpected connection, of affection growing through everyday moments, of independence earned, and of acceptance claimed rather than requested. Its now-viral teaser, anchored by the line “When the world says they can’t… they’ll show us they can,” struck a chord online, drawing praise for its honesty and courage.