I’mPerfect Celebrates Down Syndrome on the Big Screen
It’s a win for Filipino cinema for celebrating talents with DS.
Published on Dec 3, 2025
Sometimes the simplest stories leave the biggest impact. A new entry for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, I’mPerfect, tells the story of two people with Down syndrome or DS “wanting to love and be loved without limits.”
When the teaser trailer was released, it quickly reached over 5.1 million views online, while the poster also gathered thousands of likes on Facebook. Netizens expressed excitement to see a story that highlights the everyday lives and achievements of people with DS.
Yes We Can: How I’mPerfect Came Together
Directed and written by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, known for Kita Kita and I’m Drunk, I Love You, the film follows Jessica and Jiro, two people with Down syndrome who meet, face life’s challenges, and support each other. Their relationship grows even as Jessica becomes ill, leaving Jiro to treasure the memories they shared.
The project had been in Bernardo’s mind for nearly 15 years. She first pitched it in 2010, and an early teaser featuring different actors appeared on YouTube in 2017. Production finally moved forward last year with Nathan Studios. Veteran actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez joined the project and appears in a supporting role, helping bring this story to life.
“After all these years of waiting, I’mPerfect found its perfect time,” Bernardo wrote on Facebook. “Sometimes, love and imperfection just need time. And when the time is right, it all makes sense.”
Auditions ran from October to December and included people with autism and cerebral palsy. The actors spent months in workshops preparing for their roles, with Krystel Go and Earl Amaba cast as the film’s main characters, Jessica and Jiro.
Richelle Uy, one of the cast members, recalled her first audition. She shared a clip on Facebook and wrote, “Ito po ang audition video ko noon pang January 2017, nung naghahanap pa lang si Direk Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo ng mga talent para sa I’mPerfect teaser. Super saya ko po dahil dati ko pa pangarap maging artista. Kita niyo naman po, ginaya ko pa si Amor Powers.”
She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng tao who made this possible. To DSAPI, Direk Sigrid, Mamang Jojo, at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Nathan Studios Inc. Tinupad niyo po ang pangarap ko. Ngunit higit sa lahat, binigyan ninyo ng pag-asa at malaking plataporma ang lahat ng mga katulad ko, para maipakita sa buong mundo na ‘YES WE CAN!’”
Audiences have welcomed the film for its local representation of people with Down syndrome. They also see it as a heartwarming family film perfect for this holiday season. One viewer commented, “People with Down syndrome are often laughed at, ridiculed, or misunderstood. But behind their innocent smiles are hearts full of genuine kindness and love, a kind of love that’s pure, unconditional, and sometimes far greater than what we see in those who call themselves ‘normal.’ They remind us what it truly means to be human. This is so beautiful I’ll definitely watch this movie.”
Watch I’mPerfect’s official teaser trailer below:
Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.
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