LITTLE known Fil-Chinese actress Rebecca Chuaunsu bagged the best actress plum for her effective portrayal of the lead character, Jewel Ouyang, in the Sinag Maynila Film Festival for her role in the film, ‘Her Locket’ at the awards night held recently at the Metropolitan Theater.

It has also given the Best Supporting Actress trophy to Elora Españo, Best Ensemble Best Director for J. E. Tiglao, Best Screenplay – J. E. Tiglao and Maze Miranda, Best Cinematography – Jag Concepcion and Best Production Design – James Rosendal

But prior to this, the film has also won for Rebecca two best actress awards from the Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taiwan (held last September 1) and from the 2023 Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco.

‘Her Locket’ also features Boo Gabunada (as Kyle, lawyer-son of Jewel); Sophie Ng (young Jewel); and Benedict Cua (young Magnus, brother of Jewel). Completing the cast are Tommy Alejandrino, Jian Repolles, Zoey Villamangca, Norman Ong, Nellie Ang See, Angela Villarin, Ashlee Factor, Matthew Seaver Choy, Roberto Uy Kieng, George See, Rolando Inocencio and Atty. Kesterson Kua.

The story is about a Fil-Chinese woman suffering from dementia who is able to gradually recall memories from her past through her necklace locket which has her and her brother’s pictures when they were young.

“Her Locket” is J.E. Tiglao’s second feature film as director, after “Metamorphosis” for which he won best director in Cinema One Originals in 2019. “I’m so happy that finally, after ‘Her Locket’ screened and won in international film festivals, we can now show it in our homeland, the Philippines and share to our kababayans a film that is inspired by a true story.”

‘Her Locket,’under Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production was produced in cooperation with Rebelde Films.

“With the Sinag Maynila best actress award, I am most humbled and beyond grateful. To God be the glory!” quips actress-producer Rebecca Chuaunsu.

‘Her Locket’ has also participated at Marche Du Film – Festival De Cannes (2023) in France; London East Asia International Film Festival (2023) in UK; and 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (2024) in Bangladesh.

With film producer and businessman Wilson Tieng of Solar Pictures as founder and Brillante Mendoza as festival director, Sinag Maynila 2024 was held from Sept 4-10 in select cinemas in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, ‘Her Locket’ has also been invited to participate in the San Diego Film Festival (USA) come October 2024.