‘I’mPerfect" makes MMFF history

In a milestone for disability representation, the romance drama I’mPerfect was named Best Picture at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal on Saturday at the Dusit Hotel.

Produced by Nathan Studios and directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the film is the first mainstream Filipino feature to star two leads with Down syndrome—Krystel Go and Earl Amaba—in a romantic narrative.

The ceremony was marked by another historic moment as Go won the Best Actress award, becoming the first person with Down syndrome to receive the honor in the festival’s 51-year history. The film also received a Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Performance.

Bernardo, who first wrote the script in 2009, said the victory represents a shift toward inclusivity in the local film industry.

"Inclusivity is the one word I’d use to describe this historic milestone for Philippine cinema," Bernardo said. "I pushed for this film for several years. I thought nobody would produce it, and I thank Nathan Studios for the fantastic opportunity."

Accepting the award, Bernardo acknowledged the difficulty of bringing a "risky" premise to the screen. She said seeing her actors receive mainstream recognition and media attention was an "absolute success" regardless of the accolades.

"I am already a big winner as I proved my point," Bernardo said. "These awards are the icing on the cake."

Executive Producer Sylvia Sanchez, who championed the project after others rejected it, expressed hope that the film's success would change public perceptions.

"Persons with disability: you made history tonight," Sanchez said on stage. "This award has proven to the public that people with Down syndrome are capable, professional, and worthy of the spotlight."

Industry critics noted the film’s significance in casting neurodivergent actors to tell their own stories rather than using neurotypical actors to mimic them, a move that challenges international standards of authenticity in storytelling.