RARE that a lady who bankrolled a film will also act in front of the cameras, promote the project and even bring it to other countries so that more people will appreciate the story inspired by true-to-life events.

Producer-actress Rebecca Chuaunsu disclosed the film, ‘Her Locket’ is partly auto-biographical, directed by J.E. Tiglao from a story he wrote with Maze Miranda.

“This film and the story is 32 years in the making,” disclosed Rebecca, who studied at the University of the Philippines (UP). “It took me 50 years of acting lessons. My years at UP prepared me for this role.”

‘Her Locket’ is a very “sentimental” film for Rebecca. The storyline and screenplay of the film were developed via Zoom even during the pandemic, according to Rebecca. During the principal photography, Rebecca’s husband got sick and ultimately passed on.

“Her Locket, the first full-length project for me, started as a revenge film,” informed the actress-producer. “But along the way, I read the journals of my dad and mom.

“There were 32 years of diaries and written on the pages is a Bible verse about mercy and compassion from the book of Exodus.”

Rebecca earlier did a short film with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza. She has shown Her Locket to a number of continents – Europe, Africa, Asia, North America (US). Now, she brings the film for a commercial run in the Philippines.

As a pre-Chinese New Year offering, Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production, in cooperation with Rebelde Films, proudly announces the commercial release of the heartwarming family drama, ‘Her Locket,’ in cinemas nationwide starting January 22.

Three jury members of Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024 – documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz, screenwriter, director, actress Bibeth Orteza and award-winning filmmaker Lav Diaz – gave nine nominations for ‘Her Locket.’

‘Her Locket’ garnered eight awards – Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography and Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Acting – at the Sinag Maynila last September 2024.

Filipino-Chinese producer-actress Rebecca Chuaunsu brought home two international Best Actress awards – from Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco in 2023 and Wu Wei Taipei International Filipino Film Festival in Taiwan held last year.

Locally in the Philippines, Rebecca got rave reviews from film critics for her outstanding performance as lead actress Jewel Ouyang in the film, inspired by her true story.

Joining Rebecca in the cast are Elora Españo (as Teresa, the caregiver), Boo Gabunada (as Kyle, lawyer-son of Jewel), Sophie Ng (young Jewel) and Benedict Cua (young Magnus, brother of Jewel).

Completing the roster of cast members are Francis Mata, 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, lawyer Kesterson Kua, Atty. Allan Jao, and Dr. Philip Tan Gatue.

With the aid of a locket necklace, a Chinese woman suffering from a degenerative disease of dementia, is able to gradually recall memories from her past.

Assistant direction by Roderick Goot, cinematography by Jag Concepcion, production design by James Rosendal, line produced by Jane Danting, production management by Laugelie Gadon, produced by Sarah Pagcaliwagan Brakensiek and Ferdinand Lapuz, executive producer is Dr. Rebecca Shangkuan Chuaunsu.

Rebecca, who earlier appeared on the big screen in ‘Mano Po 3’ and ‘Mano Po 7,’ cannot be thankful enough that Her Locket will be screened nationwide on January 22, so many more Filipinos will experience a film that is inspired by a true story.

She was admittedly inspired by producer Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle, to produce ‘Her Locket,’ that blends Filipino and Chinese cultures.

“I hope people will appreciate this small film but we want to impart important messages to our kababayans that Filipino communities in the US and Europe are very warm,” said Rebecca. “In Africa, there were young girls who hugged me after seeing the film. They appreciated seeing Her Locket.”

Her Locket was in competition at the Jagran Film Festival in India. The festival covered 18 cities, which started last December in Delhi and traveling through Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Bareilly, Dehradun, Hisar, Ludhiana, Patna, Ranchi, Siliguri, Gorakhpur, Raipur, Indora and Darbhanga, culminating in Mumbai in March.

The award-winning film also participated in Marche Du Film – Festival De Cannes (2023) in France, London East Asia International Film Festival (2023) in the UK, 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (2024) in Bangladesh and San Diego Film Festival USA (2024).

The film is distributed nationwide by Solar Pictures. This early, Rebecca announced that ‘Her Locket’ will have a sequel.

“I already have the synopsis of Her Locket, 2,” beamed Rebecca. “But I need you to spread the word for the commercial run of the first film, so there will be more people to come and watch this film and we can generate more ticket sales to prepare for Her Locket, 2.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio