‘I’m Perfect’ celebrates love of young adults with Down Syndrome

Posted by ReyFort Media

While films have occasionally featured characters with disabilities, “I’m Perfect” is the first full-length Philippine movie to center on the lives, challenges, and triumphs of young adults with Down Syndrome.

By the time it screens this December at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025, “I’m Perfect” will make Philippine film history as the first love story to feature not just two, but 10 young adults with Down Syndrome.

Written and directed by multi-awarded director Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo , the film revolves around Jessica (Anne Krystel Daphne Go) and Jiro (Earl Jonathan Amaba), in the lead roles, supported by their friends who are also members of the Down Syndrome Society of the Philippines: Carl Jason Garcia, Richelle Joyce Primo Uy, Gio Jose Dicen, Angela Batallones, Javi Sarmiento, Bea Mendoza, Royce Gian Rivera, and Jonathan Tilos.

Completing this extraordinary cast is a powerhouse lineup of respected actors to support them: Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Zaijian Jaranilla, Sylvia Sanchez, and Lorna Tolentino.

Both award-winning actresses, Sanchez and Tolentino also serve as producers under Nathan Studios.

NOT A DRY EYE AMONG THE CAST

The cast, along with Bernardo, became emotional during the film’s media conference in Quezon City on December 14.

Sanchez described the project as a triumph, particularly for the young adults, who have shown the world what they are capable of. 

She added that the cast and crew had formed a close bond over the course of filming. 

“Each day of filming became a family-like ritual, a warm get-together with food and conversations in between takes, and punctuated by dance performances by the gifted cast,” Sanchez said.

“The ‘dances’ had become a cherished routine: they did not just provide a dose of happy energy; they, along with constant “group hugs,” became a way for everyone to collectively express their love for one another,” she added.

On a personal note, Sanchez admitted that these 10 young adults became like angels sent by God to her and her family during a difficult time when the Ataydes were facing political backlash and challenges.

Moved to tears, both the gifted children and their parents found the project to be a beacon of hope — an affirmation of their right to exist, to live fully, and to love.  

(L. Garcia/ abs-cbn)