‘Until She Remembers’

Posted by ReyFort Media

Until She Remembers, an intimate new drama, tells the story of a young girl  (Barbie Forteza) whose world quietly unravels as her parents separate. With no one willing or able to take responsibility, she seeks refuge with her grandmother, Concha, played by Charo Santos-Concio. There, she faces the painful truth that the woman she loves most is dying of cancer.

In the fragile time they have left, the girl uncovers a long-buried secret: Concha once shared a deep, unresolved love with another woman, Catherine, portrayed by Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo. Determined to bring closure to her grandmother’s final days, the girl tracks down Catherine, only to find her living with Alzheimer’s disease, unable to recall the love they shared—or even the woman who loved her.

The film traces a quiet, devastating, yet ultimately healing journey toward a final meeting, where memory fades, but love endures. Through this journey, the young girl learns that love is defined not by possession, time, or memory, but by presence, sacrifice, and compassion.

From Solar Studios Inc. and Center Stage Productions, the film is executive produced by Wilson Tieng and written and directed by Brillante Mendoza. It will be released commercially on Feb. 25.

During the film’s press conference, Charo pointed out that the film avoids stereotypes, allowing the actresses to portray love in all its dimensions.

“Direk Brillante did not put us in a box, babaeng babae kame, but we’re so in love. This film doesn’t have any stereotypes,” she added.

In response, the director described the story as “pro-LGBTQ,” but without labels. He said that Until She Remembers touches on universal themes of love, loss, aging, and emotional inheritance, grounding the story in Filipino culture while speaking to audiences worldwide.

“Regardless, we’re human beings, and we love regardless of gender,” he noted.

Barbie explored her character’s view of love, showing how it extends beyond romance to family, community, and self.

“I see love not only in romantic terms but in broader ways—love for family, for equality, for community, and even for oneself. Those forms of love can inspire growth and, ideally, help change the world in positive ways,” the young actress, who portrays a16-year-old girl in the movie, said.

For her part, Boots aimed to capture her character’s inner thoughts and emotions, ensuring her performance feels authentic and resonates with the audience.

“Love persists even when memory doesn’t fully cooperate. Even a fleeting moment of recognition can mean everything. That realization helped me connect more deeply with the character and understand the emotional weight she carries,” she said.

Charo, on the other hand, emphasized that her character represents “a love that never forgets. Even when memories fade or life changes, that emotional connection remains. It shows how powerful love can be—it shapes who you are, influences your choices, and stays part of you no matter what.” (N. Wang/ Manila stnqadard)