Director Jeffrey Jeturian said his Metro Manila Film Festival entry UnMarry tackles annulment, “but it doesn’t undermine the value of marriage.”
“The story centers on two individuals in the process of getting annulled. It explores the emotional, logistical, and legal complexities of marriage and annulment in the Philippines. But it is a delightful movie because it focuses on the journey of people finding themselves again after reaching their limits,” Jeturian explained.
Co-produced by Quantum Films and Cineko Productions, the film features a script by Chris Martinez and Therese Anne Cayaba. It follows Celine, played by Angelica Panganiban, a woman pursuing annulment and custody of her daughters. Zanjoe Marudo portrays Ivan, a husband trying to save his marriage to Maya, played by Solenn Heussaff, while staying close to his son.
Their paths intersect at the office of Jackie, a lawyer and online personality played by Eugene Domingo, where scheduling conflicts and legal delays force the characters to confront unresolved struggles.
The cast also includes Donna Cariaga, Johnny Revilla, Jervi Li (KaladKaren), Adrienne Vergara, Zack Sibug, and Shamaine Buencamino.
UnMarry marks Panganiban’s return to acting after a three-year break focused on motherhood. She said she had turned down previous offers during her hiatus but accepted UnMarry after connecting with the material.
“The story isn’t about pushing annulment. It shows what happens when people reach their limits and have to figure out who they are again,” she said in the vernacular. “The film is grounded. It is an experience familiar to many Filipinos navigating the lengthy and costly annulment process.”
Even with her return to acting, Panganiban said her family remains her priority and that she plans to continue spending time with her daughter after the film, which reunites Panganiban, Domingo, Tom Rodriguez, and Nico Antonio. They first worked together in the 2010 comedy Here Comes the Bride, directed by Martinez.
Domingo called working with the cast and creative team an honor.
“To do a film like this with Direk Jeff and everyone, for me, the honor and pleasure are really mine,” she said. She recalled how their bond extends beyond the screen, noting that Panganiban later made her a godmother after their 2010 film.
Domingo also praised Panganiban’s performance.
“Angelica gives smaller, more subtle things now… maybe because it’s so close to the pain she went through. With just a movement, a look, a word, a breath—it hits you,” she said, to which Panganiban responded, “She’s wonderful to watch. She creates an environment where actors feel excited rather than intimidated.”
UnMarry opens in cinemas on Dec. 25.
