Critically acclaimed Filipino film “Sunshine,” directed by Antoinette Jadaone, is set to reach a wider international audience after being selected as one of the first titles acquired by Alternativa Distribution, a newly launched nonprofit distribution label supported by global mobility platform inDrive.
Starring Maris Racal, “Sunshine” follows a young gymnast whose dreams and future are thrown into uncertainty after she discovers she is pregnant. The film explores the difficult choices she faces while navigating an unplanned pregnancy, putting women’s reproductive rights and bodily autonomy at the center of its story.
The film was selected by Alternativa Distribution for its honest and thought-provoking portrayal of reproductive rights, particularly within the socially conservative context of the Philippines.
Through the acquisition, “Sunshine” will be offered for licensing across streaming platforms, television broadcasters, in-flight entertainment services, and educational institutions worldwide, opening new opportunities for the acclaimed Filipino film to connect with audiences beyond the Philippines.
“We selected ‘Sunshine’ as part of our inaugural film lineup as it sparked meaningful conversations about women’s reproductive rights in a conservative country like the Philippines,” said Avital Lavi, Head of Distribution at Alternativa Distribution.
“This selection reflects our wider mission to champion thought-provoking films and ensure they are seen by audiences all over the world. More importantly, we hope to level the playing field for filmmakers from the Global South and give them the representation they deserve,” Lavi added.
“Sunshine” is among the first 10 films acquired by Alternativa Distribution, joining acclaimed productions from Colombia, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Mongolia, China, Iran, Mexico, and Georgia.
The selected films have gained recognition at major international film events including the Alternativa Film Festival, Cannes, Berlinale, CPH, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Alternativa Distribution’s inaugural lineup includes “9-Month Contract,” “After the Rain,” “A Poet,” “Being Olimpia,” “Bird of a Different Feather,” “Grand Me,” “If Only I Could Hibernate,” “Saba,” “The Nature of Invisible Things,” and the Philippines’ “Sunshine.”
Together, the films will form the foundation of the label’s growing international catalog of socially relevant stories.
Alternativa Distribution plans to bring its catalog to audiences across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while also pursuing distribution opportunities in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Supporting Filmmakers From the Global South
Unlike a traditional distributor, Alternativa Distribution aims to address some of the challenges independent filmmakers face when attempting to bring their work to international markets.
The nonprofit label provides filmmakers with upfront minimum guarantees, a share of revenue generated from licensing agreements, and end-to-end distribution support. This includes subtitling, dubbing, translation, and marketing tailored to individual territories.
“Too many exceptional films from the Global South struggle to find international audiences, despite their artistic quality and social relevance,” Lavi said.
“By offering premium titles at accessible pricing, a fair business model, and localization support, we hope to dismantle the structural barriers facing films from or about the Global South and use the opportunity to connect a wider range of both broadcasters and audiences with high-quality works that inspire critical thinking and dialogue.”
The company is continuing to expand its catalog through an international film scout network, industry partnerships, and direct submissions.
Alternativa is also preparing for the fourth Alternativa Film Festival in 2027, with additional details expected to be announced in the coming months.
‘Sunshine’ Continues Its International Journey
The global distribution opportunity marks another milestone for “Sunshine” and Jadaone as the Filipino film continues to bring its socially relevant story to audiences outside the country.
Alternativa Distribution also represents inDrive’s first venture into the global film industry. Beyond its mobility business, inDrive has expanded its social-impact initiatives with the goal of amplifying underrepresented voices and creating opportunities for communities worldwide.
Its other initiatives include the Aurora Tech Award, which supports women founders in technology, and Supernovas, a grassroots football program for children.
With “Sunshine” joining its inaugural slate, Alternativa Distribution is giving a distinctly Filipino story about womanhood, choice, and reproductive rights a bigger platform—and an opportunity to spark conversations with audiences around the world.
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