Not Perfect, Just Brilliant

Nathan Studios’ trailblazing film claims the spotlight, shining a light on love, dignity, and inclusion as it takes home top honors. 

Three weeks into the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival, “I’m Perfect” has not only touched hearts as the season’s most emotionally stirring entry but now stands triumphant as Best Picture, etching its legacy into Philippine cinema history.  

Adding to its historic triumph, Anne Krystel Daphne Go made MMFF history with her Best Actress win for her portrayal of Jessica—marking a watershed moment for representation on the country’s biggest film stage. Her victory stands as one of the most significant acting honors of the festival, affirming that excellence in performance knows no boundaries. 

Produced by NATHAN Studios, “I’m Perfect” is the first Filipino feature film led entirely by actors with Down Syndrome in both lead and major supporting roles. Since its Christmas Day opening, the film has steadily built momentum through heartfelt audience response, strong word of mouth, and now, critical recognition from the MMFF jury itself. 

The Best Picture, Best Actress, and Jury Prize for Best Ensemble wins signal more than artistic achievement—they affirm the film’s central message: #YesWeCan. Not just as a hopeful phrase, but as a lived reality. 

Directed with restraint and sensitivity by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, “I’m Perfect” tells the tender love story of Jessica (Anne Krystel Daphne Go) and Jiro (Earl Jonathan Amaba), two individuals with Down Syndrome who choose each other in a world that has long doubted their right to love, independence, and self-determination. 

Their decision to live on their own becomes the heart of the film, a quiet but powerful act of courage. Together, they learn how to work, care, dream, and build a life anchored in trust and warmth. The story never asks for sympathy. It asks for recognition. 

As the MMFF run progressed, screenings were marked by emotional silences, lingering applause, and deeply personal reactions from audiences—families, educators, advocates, and moviegoers seeing themselves reflected on screen. The film’s Best Picture win feels like a natural culmination of that collective response. 

“I’m Perfect” is not about perfection.

 It is about truth. 

It is about being seen. 

It is about love that does not ask permission. 

The film is supported by an esteemed ensemble cast including Sylvia Sanchez (also serving as Executive Producer alongside Ria Atayde-Marudo), Joey Marquez, Lorna Tolentino, Ton Ton Gutierrez, Zaijan Jaranilla, Janice de Belen, Viveika Ravanes, Myke Salomon, Joel Saracho, and Akiko Thompson, whose performances frame the story without ever eclipsing its leads. 

Equally vital is the remarkable supporting ensemble of performers living with Down Syndrome—Carl Jason Garcia, Richelle Joyce Primo Uy, Gio Jose D. Dicen, Angela Battalones, Javi Sarmiento, Bea Mendoza, Royce Gian Rivera, and Jonathan Tilos—whose presence brings authenticity, joy, and lived truth to every frame. 

Executive producer and actress Sylvia Sanchez has previously described the film as a promise—one made with patience, respect, and purpose. With its Best Picture win, that promise now carries even greater weight. 

As the festival enters its final stretch, “I’m Perfect” stands as a defining moment for MMFF 2025—proof that inclusive storytelling is not a risk, but a revelation. 

In a season filled with spectacle, “I’m Perfect” speaks softly, wins boldly, and lingers long after the lights come up. 

Because in a world that often underestimates people with Down Syndrome, this Best Picture–winning film reminds us of a simple truth: 

They can love. They can dream. They can choose. They can belong. 

They can. They always could. 

#YesWeCan 

“I’m Perfect” is currently screening nationwide as part of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Photography by Meinard Navato (@mpnavato) with Josh Navato (@joshnavato) 

Photo shoot art direction by Jobo Nacpil (@jobonacpil) 

Poster Design by Justin Besana (@justinbhb) 

Poster Photography by Stephen Capuchino (@thatposterboy_)