The acclaimed Filipino-Chinese film “Her Locket” is all set to make its grand entrance into the US film scene with its premiere at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival this October 3rd. After a stunning victory at the 2024 Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival, where it won eight major awards, this cinematic masterpiece is ready to dazzle international audiences.
A Tale of Memory and Empowerment
Her Locket centers around Jewel Ouyang, a Chinese woman battling dementia, portrayed masterfully by Rebecca Chuaunsu. As Jewel’s mind begins to fade, a treasured locket helps unlock long-buried memories of her family, revealing a deeply emotional journey of love, loss, and self-discovery. Alongside Jewel is her son Kyle Nicolas (played by Boo Gabunada), a lawyer who hires a caregiver named Teresa Firmante (Elora Españo), who has her own dreams of breaking free from the chains of her past.
“Two women want to do something about their memories. One wants to get it back. The other one wants to forget. Both came from experiences of pain and loss. Both a victim of patriarchy under two familial cultures of Chinese and Filipino. However, this is also 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,” Tiglao shared.
A Celebration of Filipino-Chinese Cinema
Directed by J.E. Tiglao, who won Best Director at the Sinag Maynila festival, Her Locket also secured awards for Best Film, Best Actress (Rebecca Chuaunsu), Best Supporting Actress (Elora Españo), Best Screenplay (Tiglao & Maze Miranda), Best Cinematography (Jag Concepcion), Best Production Design (James Arvin Rosendal), and Best Acting Ensemble. This marks Tiglao’s second feature film, following his previous award-winning project “Metamorphosis.”
An Outstanding Ensemble Cast
The film boasts a stellar cast that breathes life into this poignant narrative, including: Sophie Ng as the young Jewel, Benedict Cua as the young Magnus, Francis Mata as the older Magnus and Tommy Alejandrino as Jewel’s youthful love interest.
They are joined by a talented lineup of supporting actors, including Rolando Inocencio, Jian Myco Repolles, Zoey Villamangca, and Angela Kate Villarin.
The Power Behind the Production
Her Locket is a collaborative effort between Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production and Rebelde Films, with the unwavering support of key producers Sarah Pagcaliwagan Brakensiek and Ferdinand Lapuz. The creative team also includes line producer Jane Danting, production manager Gel Gadon, and editor Renard Torres, among many other talented professionals.
An Emotional Journey to Remember
At its core, Her Locket is more than just a film about memory and identity. It’s a powerful story that shines a light on the strength and resilience of women against the backdrop of patriarchal pressures in both Filipino and Chinese cultures. As Jewel delves into her memories, she uncovers long-buried truths about herself, her family, and the societal norms that shaped her life.
Catch Her Locket as it premieres on October 3 at AMC Plaza Bonita, Westfield, San Diego, California. The San Diego Filipino Film Festival is helmed by Benito Salvador Bautista and Emma Francisco Bautista, who are dedicated to bringing Filipino talent to the forefront of international cinema.
