Direk Sigrid Bernardo hopes for more projects for Krystel Go after ‘I’mPerfect’
After watching Krystel Go in Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “I’mPerfect,” it wasn’t hard to see that she just might pull off an upset against the acting heavyweights in the Best Actress race at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
And she did, dedicating her award to her parents in what became one of the most touching moments in the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal history.
“Di po ako makapaniwala na nanalo ako. Mommy and daddy, para po sa inyo ‘to, Best Actress na po ako,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Maraming salamat po, Lord, tinupad mo po ang pangarap ko, naming lahat na maging artista.”
Being a person with Down syndrome (DS), her big win in a film about a romance between two people with DS was later hailed by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) as “an affirmation of a truth long championed by the disability community: that persons with disabilities are capable of excellence and deserve to take center stage in Philippine cinema.” They also noted that the recognition sends a strong message that disability-inclusive storytelling is not just socially relevant, but artistically outstanding.
There were comments, though, that suspected it was a sympathy vote or a statement about inclusivity rather than a judgment of acting performance. But as someone who was part of the jury, led by highly esteemed screenwriter, film writer and academic Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo Jr., it can now be said that during deliberations, the words “inclusive” or “inclusivity” never even came up. The open, collegial back-and-forth focused squarely on the merits of her and the other nominees’ performances.
Personally, she earned my vote for owning a complex character arc with heart, humor and a naturalness on screen that belies the fact that she’s an acting first-timer. After this, it only feels right to want more doors to open for her — especially in comedy-drama projects.
We asked “I’mPerfect” director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo how she approached directing Krystel and what surprised her most about working with the acting newbie.
“My direction was rooted in clarity and trust. I gave her clear emotional goals and grounded her in each situation, then allowed her to express it in a way that felt natural to her. I never asked her to imitate anyone or be something she wasn’t. I met her where she was and built from there,” said direk Sigrid in an e-mail interview.
“What surprised me most was her emotional intelligence. She understood the heart of a scene almost instantly. Like many of our actors with disabilities, she didn’t focus on what she couldn’t do. She showed up, focused on what she could do, and committed to it fully. When someone believes in them, they rise to that belief.
“There were moments when she adjusted her performance on her own — quiet, subtle choices that were exactly right. As a director, that kind of collaboration is rare and deeply moving.”
As of this writing, the debate over Krystel’s Best Actress win is still on our feeds. Some critics have dismissed her portrayal of Jessica — a young woman who falls in love with Jiro (played by Earl Amaba), begins to assert her independence from her single mom (Sylvia Sanchez) and makes peace with her estranged father (Joey Marquez) — by saying she was “just acting as herself,” comments that direk Sigrid acknowledged were hurtful.
“I think this debate shows how limited our understanding of acting can still be. Acting is not about pretending to be someone completely different. It is about truth, intention, discipline and emotional control,” she said.
“This does not only affect Krystel. It affects all our actors with disabilities. As the director and writer of this film, these comments deeply hurt because they cancel out the effort and commitment our actors and team gave to this project. They also go against the very purpose of ‘I’mPerfect,’ which is to highlight abilities, not reduce people to their disabilities.”
She continued, “Our actors committed to their roles, studied their characters, and learned the technical and emotional demands of filming in a very short time. They knew they had limitations, but with the right encouragement, they felt they belonged. I pushed them because I believed in what they could do, and they delivered.
“Krystel, in particular, is very different from her character, Jessica. She followed structure, timing and emotional intention. She knew when to hold back, when to give more, and when silence carried more weight than dialogue. What she gave was a deliberate and honest performance.
“That is not just being yourself. That is acting.”
So, can we expect more onscreen roles for Krystel?
Direk Sigrid expressed, “I truly hope this is just the beginning — not only for Krystel, but for her fellow actors as well. She has so much more to offer, and I hope the industry sees her not as a one-time exception, but as an actress with discipline, depth and range. She deserves more opportunities, and I would love to work with her again.”
She added, “She’s proven that with the right support and trust, she can carry a film with honesty and grace. I hope the industry gives her and other actors with disabilities the space to grow and be seen.”
Besides Best Actress, the Nathan Studios-produced film “I’mPerfect,” led by a cast with Down syndrome, also won Best Ensemble and took home First Best Picture, the night’s biggest honor.
Asked how the team celebrated, direk Sigrid said, “The celebration is very us, quiet, grateful, emotional. Lots of hugs, tears and messages saying, ‘We did this together.’
“Right now, we’re focused on letting the film travel, both locally and internationally. We believe the story goes beyond borders. More than anything, we want ‘I’mPerfect’ to keep finding the people who need it, wherever they are.”
Direk Sigrid also shared her wishlist for the industry after making “I’mPerfect,” which was based on a script she started writing more than a decade ago and that was initially rejected by producers.
“After ‘I’mPerfect,’ my hope is simple: that the industry continues to open its doors to stories and voices that have long been unseen. I wish for more courage to tell stories rooted in empathy, where inclusion isn’t treated as a risk but as a natural part of storytelling. More than awards or box office, I hope for films that listen, that represent people with dignity, and that make space for kindness.”
(Theatrical screenings for the eight official entries of the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival have been extended until Jan. 14.)
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