Award-winning actress and producer Rebecca Chuaunsu is making waves with her heartfelt film ‘Her Locket’, which she hopes will resonate with audiences through its message of women’s empowerment and the importance of having their voices heard.
During a special screening on January 8 at Fishermall Cinema in Quezon City, Chuaunsu reflected on the film’s themes, highlighting the Filipino-Chinese community’s shared experiences with gender equality, inheritance, and family dynamics.
“This story isn’t just for wealthy families—it also reflects middle-class realities,” Chuaunsu said during the post-screening discussion. “The message we want to share is that a woman’s voice matters, and it needs to be heard.”
Directed by J.E. Tiglao, ‘Her Locket’ follows the life of Jewel Ouyang Nicolas (played by Chuaunsu), an elderly Filipino-Chinese woman with dementia. The story unfolds through Jewel’s memories, including her strained relationship with her brother Magnus (played by Francis Mata and Benedict Cua) and her family’s disapproval of her Filipino partner (Tommy Alejandrino). Amid her struggles, Jewel forms a meaningful connection with Teresa (Elora Españo), an inexperienced but genuine household helper hired by her son Kyle (Boo Gabunada).
Chuaunsu revealed that the film was originally intended to be a “revenge story,” but the direction changed after she discovered her parents’ diaries documenting 32 years of reflections on compassion and mercy.
“This started as a revenge film, but as I read through their diaries during the pandemic, I realized the importance of compassion,” Chuaunsu said. She also shared the personal challenges she faced during the production process.
“On the last day of shooting, I had to rush my husband to the hospital. He passed away during post-production, which gave the film even more sentimental value,” she recounted.
‘Her Locket’ has earned critical acclaim, winning eight awards at the 2024 Sinag Maynila Film Festival, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress for Chuaunsu, and Best Supporting Actress. Chuaunsu also won Best Actress at the Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taipei and the Transsaharien International Film Festival in Morocco.
The film has been screened internationally at the Marché du Film–Festival de Cannes, the London East Asia International Film Festival, the San Diego Film Festival, and the Dhaka International Film Festival.
“I’m so happy that Her Locket will be screened nationwide this January. I hope our kababayans appreciate the story that’s so close to my heart,” Chuaunsu said.
Boo Gabunada, who plays Kyle, described the film as a tribute to the community. “There’s love, truth, and empowerment in this story,” he said.
The film also stars Sophie Ng, Jian Repolles, Zoey Villamangca, and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, who attended the special screening to show his support.
With its nationwide release set for January 22, ‘Her Locket’ aims to inspire audiences with its tale of resilience, compassion, and the power of women’s voices.
