Filipino-Chinese indie film “Her Locket” will hold its nationwide theatrical release on Jan. 22, 2025.
Directed by J.E. Tiglao and produced by Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production, in collaboration with Sinag Maynila Film Festival and Rebelde Film Production Company, the film will be shown in cinemas across the Philippines for a limited time.
The film follows Jewel Ouyang, a Filipino-Chinese widow in her senior years who is suffering from dementia. As she is cared for by her son Kyle, a newly practicing lawyer, Jewel discovers a gold locket that triggers a flood of memories from her youth.
The locket transports her back to significant events from the 1970s to the 1990s, including her strained relationship with her brother, Magnus, who wrongfully took her share of the family inheritance.
The story revolves around whether Jewel and Kyle can use these memories to reclaim her rights and seek justice in court.
Her Locket has already received international acclaim, representing the Philippines at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and screening at several international film festivals, including the 2023 London East Asia International Film Festival, the 2024 Dhaka International Film Festival and the 2024 Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taipei.
The film will also be featured in the 2024 San Diego Film Festival and is set to compete at the Jargan Film Festival in India, traveling across 18 cities from Dec. 2024 to March 2025.
The film has garnered significant recognition in the local indie film scene, winning eight awards at the 2024 Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress for Rebecca Shangkuan Chuaunsu who also portrays Jewel.
The film also stars Elora Españo as Teresa, with Francis Mata, Jian Repolles, Tommy Alejandrino, Zoey Villamangca, Angela Villarin, Ashlee Factor, Roberto Uy Kieng, George See, Rolando Inocencio, Christina de los Reyes and Allan Jao in supporting roles.
Several Filipino-Chinese actors portray key roles including Benedict Cua as young Magnus, Sophie Ng as young Jewel, Natalie Villamangca as child Jewel, Norman Ong as Jasper, Nellie Ang See as Celestine, George Sy as Mr. Lim, Seaver Choy as Matt and Kesterson Kua as the inheritance lawyer.
Producer Rebecca Shangkuan Chuaunsu describes the film as a story about two women: one trying to reclaim her memories, the other wanting to forget.
“It’s an empowering tale of women who choose not to be silenced. My intention is to portray an empowering tale of feminism in front of a backdrop of conservative milieu. I’m excited for Her Locket to reach more kababayans and share a story inspired by real-life experiences.” she said.
To accommodate international and Chinese-speaking audiences during its theatrical run, the film will feature simplified Chinese and English subtitles.
