Her Locket

 A story of forgiveness and redemption

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

J.E. Tiglao's "Her Locket" held its Philippine premiere during the opening night of the 2024 Sinag Maynila Film Festival at the Gateway Mall 2 cineplex. Shot in locations around Metro Manila, the film shows the dynamics of a Filipino-Chinese family from the 70s to the present. Based on a true story, this biographical account is a tapestry that's woven from a story of its writer and director.

With the aid of a bejeweled locket, a woman of Chinese descent, Jewel Ouyang-Nicolas (Rebecca Chuaunsu), who is suffering from dementia, is able to gradually piece together memories from her past.

And so unravels this poignant family drama directed by J.E. Tiglao, who also penned the screenplay. Helmed with passion and an acute eye for detail, this slow burner of a movie coheres beautifully 'til the very end.

"Due to budgetary constraints, we got Chinoy theater actors. We brought this film to many parts of the world but, tonight, you bring joy to my eyes," enthused the teary-eyed lead actress, who is also the film's producer.

Rebecca's forgetfulness is not of her own doing, as contrasted to her caregiver's resolve to forget her painful past through cosmetic surgery. As the overly made-up pilfering caregiver Teresa Fermati, Elora Españo gives an exemplary performance; reminiscent of another outstanding performances from Lolita Rodriguez and National Artist Nora Aunor in "Ina Ka ng Anak Mo." 

As a seasoned theater thespian,  Boo Gabunada, playing lawyer-son Kyle Nicolas, held his own and delivers a strong supporting turn. Ditto the heartfelt cameos from its ensemble cast.

At the culmination of the story, Rebecca gives away her locket- her last vestiges of lucidity - to live out her remaining days devoid of the hurts from her past.

For her poignant and outstanding performance in the lead role, actress-producer Rebecca Chuaunsu won as Best Actress at the Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taipei, and at the Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco.

The film's ensemble cast also include Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua, 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, Rolly Inocencio, Atty. Allan Jao, Dr. Philip Tan Gatue, and Atty. Kesterson Kua; most of whom were present during the premiere screening 

The week-long Sinag Maynila Film Festival, of Solar Films and Brillante Ma. Mendoza,  will run until Sept 10 at the Gateway Mall 2 cineplex, at Robinsons Manila and Galleria cinemas, as well as in participating SM Mall Cinemas.

The biopic is one of seven competing films in the Full-Length Feature category.

After the Sinag Maynila run, "Her Locket" will join the forthcoming San Diego Film Festival in the US next month.