Young actress Jhassy Busran candidly shared her initial apprehension about taking on the role of Felipe, a character with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Utmost Creatives’ “Unspoken Letters,” which opens in cinemas this December 13.
Having garnered accolades such as the Jury Award for Best Performance at the 2021 International Film Festival Manhattan New York and the title of Best Child Actress at the Gully International Film Festival in India at the age of 15, Jhassy discussed the unique challenges she faced in breathing life to her character during a recent press conference held at B Hotel in Quezon City.
Reflecting on her journey, she admitted, “Kinakabahan po ako noong nagsa-start pa lang sinabi po sa akin na ganito iyung magiging role kasi akala ko madali lang siya pero ang hirap po pala niya pag ikaw na mismo ‘yung nandun.”
“Unspoken Letters” revolves around Felipa (Busran), a seventeen-year-old who functions at the cognitive level of a seven-year-old child. Felipa admires her siblings, who each grapples with their unique challenges and issues.
Recognizing the importance of delivering a sensitive and honest portrayal, Jhassy emphasized her commitment to ensuring that Felipe’s character would not offend individuals living with autism and their families. The young star participated in acting workshops, conducted her own research, and received valuable guidance from the film’s directors, Paolo Bertola and Mario Gatdula Alaman, who also penned the story.
“Very thankful din po ako sa kanila na ginagabayan po nila ako doon,” said Jhassy.
“Gumawa rin po sila ng sarili nilang research and they talk to psychiatrists po kaya nagtiwala rin po ako kung ano po ‘yung mga sasabihin po nila sa akin na dapat kong gawin at hindi po dapat.”
The powerhouse cast of “Unspoken Letters,” featuring Gladys Reyes, Orlando Sol, Matet de Leon, Glydel Mercado, Daria Ramirez, Christine Samson, Simon Ibarra, and Tonton Gutierrez, also provided unwavering support and praise for the 17-year-old dramatic actress.
For Jhassy, “Unspoken Letters” serves as a significant milestone in her career, representing a family-oriented film that seamlessly integrates music and drama while imparting essential life lessons. She highlighted the film’s focus on communication within families and the acceptance of each individual’s unique abilities and talents.
“Hindi lang po kasi siya storya ni Felipa kundi ng buong pamilya. So kung ako po ‘yung nanonood, gusto ko siyang mapanood kasi nagto-touch siya ng ano hindi lang basta kuwento pero meron kang matututunan when it comes to not just being a special child pero sa pamilya, so kung paano ba makisama sa pamilya mo. Paano kung meron kayong hidwaan ng pamilya mo dun po parang, it talks about it.”
“Unspoken Letters” is set to open in cinemas this December 13.
