Filipino-Chinese actress Rebecca Chuaunsu is beaming with pride as she brings her deeply personal family drama, “Her Locket,” to the Philippines. Directed by J.E. Tiglao, the film, which features Chuaunsu both as the lead actress and producer, will be showcased as one of the full-length entries at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024.
“Her Locket” tells the story of Jewel Ouyang, a once-famous Chinese actress now struggling with dementia. The discovery of an old locket helps Jewel recall her past, unveiling memories of a challenging life filled with familial conflict, loss, and triumph. As Jewel confronts her brother in court to reclaim her stolen inheritance, she must decide whether to seek vengeance or find peace through forgiveness.
Director Tiglao who co-wrote the film with Maze Miranda, said in a statement, “This is a restorative story of women who choose not to be silenced, who choose to hold the line. My intention is to portray an empowering tale of feminism in front of a backdrop of conservative milieu.”
During the film’s press conference, Chuaunsu revealed that the story was inspired by real events which has been on her mind for over three decades.
Filipino-Chinese actress Rebecca Chuaunsu as Jewel Ouyang, a once-famous Chinese actress struggling with dementia.
“This story was inspired by true to life events when my father wrote his last will and testament. So, this has been in my mind for 32 years now until during the pandemic years, I told myself, if I don’t produce this story, I will not live,” Chuaunsu recalled in a press conference.
“So for the two years in pandemic times, I went through 26 diaries of my mother and six diaries of my father and found out about the inheritance issues. I knew then that I had to produce this story,” she added.
With her past experiences as an actress from past projects “Wagas” (2013), “Sitsit” (2020) and “Mano po Legacy: The Family Fortune” (2022), Chuaunsu took on the role of Jewel herself after initially planning to cast someone else.
Chuaunsu meticulously researched dementia to bring authenticity to her portrayal.
“This story is a tapestry, weaving of stories from the director, from the writers and me as the storyteller. But we have a disclaimer, not all parts will be biographical,” cleared Chuaunsu.
“In the story, the main character has dementia. So I was scared because I don’t have dementia yet. I researched and interviewed a lot of patients, basically they’re my aunties and my older sister. I talked to them, but they didn’t know I was researching them,” she added.
(Clockwise from top left) Rolando Inocencio, Francis Mata, Boo Gabunada, Kesterson Kua, Zoey Villamanca, Sophie Ng, Elora Españo, Rebecca Chuaunsu and Nellie Ang See
Indeed, Chuaunsu portrayal of Jewel was worth it as the film garnered significant acclaim on the international stage. Her exceptional performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 2023 Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco.
The film has also captivated audiences at prestigious festivals including the London East Asia International Film Festival, the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival, the Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taipei, and Marche Du Film – Festival De Cannes.
The cast of “Her Locket” believes that the film offers important lessons for its audience.
Co-star Sophie Ng shared, “One thing they will learn is if you want to do something in life, do it. Don’t have second thoughts. Whether you’re young or old, just do what you want because you only live once, so grab everything you can.”
Boo Gabunada noted, “The dynamic of a family, particularly this broken family, shows how much can happen between them. By the end, you’ll think about the cost of chasing after justice, and how that affects an entire family.”
Produced by Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production, in cooperation with Rebelde Films, “Her Locket” also stars Elora Españo, Zoey Villamanca, Benedict Cua, Francis Mata, Jian Repolles, Tommy Alejandrino, Norman Ong, Nellie Ang See, Angela Villarin, Ashlee Factor, Matthew Seaver Choy, Roberto Uy Kieng, George See, Banaue Miclat, and Rolando Inocencio.
Sinag Maynila 2024 is slated on September 4 to 8 in Gateway, SM Manila, and other participating cinemas in Metro Manila.
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