LOVE CHILD

LOVE CHILD
by JONATHAN JURILLA

100 minutes | Drama | PG

CAST
RK Bagatsing, Jane Oineza, John Tyrron Ramos

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR/STORY – Jonathan Jurilla
SCREENPLAY – Arden Rod Condez, Arianna Martinez (with Angel Benjamin)
CINEMATOGRAPHY – Rommel Sales
PRODUCTION DESIGN – Kurt Soberano
EDITOR – John Paul Ponce
ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE – Andrew Florentino
SOUND – Lamberto Casas Jr.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS – Lily Y. Monteverde, Roselle Y. Monteverde, Keith Monteverde
CO- PRODUCERS – Sheron Dayoc, Sonny Calvento
PRODUCER – Arden Rod Condez
LINE PRODUCER – Jo Andrew Torlao
PRODUCTION MANAGER – Angel Benjamin
LOCATION MANAGER – Jan Phillyn Jagorin
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Reeden Fajardo

LOGLINE
A young couple navigates the challenges of raising their autistic son in an increasingly unforgiving world, testing their love and resilience.

SYNOPSIS
College sweethearts Ayla and Paolo decide to drop out of school to start a family after a whirlwind romance leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Four years later, they are devastated to learn that their son, Kali, is diagnosed with autism. As they navigate the complexities of raising a child with special needs, they confront an increasingly unsupportive environment. Their journey challenges their relationship and the dream of a complete, harmonious family, forcing them to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

FILMMAKER’S PROFILE

JONATHAN JURILLA, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines – Visayas since 1996, has focused on film production since 2016. His filmography includes: “Isla,” which received a Special Jury Citation at the 2016 CineKasimanwa; “Tiempo Suerte,” which won multiple awards at the 2021 SineNegrense and a Jury Citation at the 2022 Gawad CCP; “Ang Babayi sa Suba,” which was named Best Picture at the 2022 SineNegrense; “De-Lata,” which earned the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Montañosa Film Festival; and “My Boy Superman,” which won a Bronze Award in 2023 Montañosa Film Festival. “Love Child,” his full-length directorial debut, features an original script that won first place in the Dulang Pampelikula Category of the 71st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

My son, Oyen, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age two. For the past 13 years, my family and I have dedicated ourselves to addressing his condition, which has tested our commitment, stretched our capabilities, and redefined our love. This journey has profoundly impacted our careers and perspectives on life. Despite ASD affecting one in every 100 Filipinos, misconceptions persist. With this film, I aim to raise awareness about ASD, emphasizing that it is not an illness but a human condition requiring deep social understanding. It affects not just the individual but their entire family, demanding collective efforts and government support. This film is a legacy for Oyen and all individuals with special needs.