How MMFF Film ‘UnMarry’ sparks conversation on marriage and separation

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MANILA, Philippines – In a country where family is held in the highest regard, it comes as no surprise that it has long been the central theme of many films in Philippine cinema. 

Stories of love, sacrifice, and unity often dominate the screen, offering nostalgic and warm narratives that resonate deeply with Filipino audiences. Yet beneath these familiar portrayals are heavier realities that are rarely confronted.

This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry UnMarry steps into that space, offering a grounded perspective on separation and the legal realities of dissolving a marriage in the Philippines. Directed by renowned Filipino filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian, the film centers on the emotional and legal complexities of annulment, a subject that remains controversial and deeply personal for many Filipino families.

Written by Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba, the film follows the intertwined journeys of Celine and Ivan, two individuals seeking annulment from their respective marriages. As they navigate the difficult process, they find solace in each other, retracing their past relationships while confronting the painful separation of their families.

Award winning actress Angelica Panganiban returns to the big screen to portray Celine, marking her first film role after her three-year hiatus. She is joined by Zanjoe Marudo, who leads the film as Ivan. Completing the ensemble of main cast are Tom Rodriguez, Solenn Heussaff, and Eugene Domingo.

TEAM BEHIND THE FILM. The cast of UnMarry with (from right) screenwriter Chris Martinez, director Jeffrey Jeturian, and film producer Atty. Joji Alonso (third from left). All photos by Kevin Ian Lampayan/Rappler

Unpacking a fragile topic

Because separation in marriage remains a highly sensitive and controversial topic in the Philippines, telling this story required both effort and sensitivity. For screenwriter Chris Martinez, extensive research became the foundation of the film.

Chris shared that he had long wanted to create a film centered on the topic. With Quantum Films producer Joji Alonso, they began preparing by consulting various lawyers and online sources to ensure the legal accuracy of the annulment process, which eventually shaped the structure of the film’s narrative.

He also attended real life annulment hearings, where he witnessed firsthand the emotional toll couples endure during the proceedings. Couples are required to recount their relationships in detail, from start to the eventual breakdown, turning deeply personal experiences into public testimony.

“’Yung una, parang chill lang, ‘yung pangalawa nakakatawa. Pero ‘yung pangatlo na napanood ko, tungkol talaga sa pamilya eh. Masakit. Parang nanonood ka ng scene sa pelikula, na tumutulo na lang ;yung luha mo kasi masakit talaga,” Chris shared.

(At first it was chill, the second one was funny. But the third one I witnessed, it’s really about family. It hurts. It feels like you’re watching a scene from a movie, that your tears will start falling because it really hurts)

For the film’s two leads, preparation went beyond memorizing lines. Both actors immersed themselves in the emotional journeys of their characters, drawing from their own growth and experiences to give weight to the story’s central themes.

WALANG BUTAS ANG BATAS. The two leads are joined by Eugene Domingo as Atty. Jacqueline Lambridas, a lawyer-vlogger who serves as the bridge between the protagonists and guides them through the legal processes of their annulment cases.

For Angelica, it was the story itself that convinced her to take on the role and return to acting. Portraying Celine meant embodying a woman who chooses herself after years of compromise, a concept that strongly resonated with the actress.

Meanwhile, Zanjoe grounded his portrayal in the realities of building a family and facing the possibility of separation, allowing him to approach Ivan’s struggles with empathy and restraint.

“Mas nagfocus ako sa emotion doon sa kay Zach and kay Solenn, doon sa family ko talaga,” the actor shared. “Mas doon ako nag-aral, mas pinag-aralan ko ‘yung pinagdadaanan ng character ni Ivan kapag nasa kalagitnaan ka ng annulment at iniiwan ka ng pamilya mo.”

(I focused more on Zach’s emotions and on Solenn, on my family. I studied that more, as well as Ivan’s character was going through in the midst of annulment and being left behind by his family.)

It has been 12 years since the two actors first starred together in One More Try in 2012. Reunited in another MMFF entry, both described the project as an opportunity to showcase their maturity as artists, shaped not only by years of experience but also by their present lives as spouses and parents.

“Kumbaga nagka texture na. Kahit siya, kapag nakaka-eksena mo, hindi na ‘yung basta-basta,” Angelica said as she looked back on her previous project with Zanjoe. “Noon parang pinipinta lang namin ‘yung image ng mag-asawa. Ngayon mas naging seryoso ‘yung pakiramdam namin dahil alam na namin kung ano yung pwedeng mawala at ‘yung totoong pakiramdam na ang hirap pala kapag ito ‘yung mangyari sa ’yo.”

(It feels more textured now. Even Zanjoe, when you act with him, it doesn’t feel like just anything. Before, we would just paint the image of a couple. Now it feels more serious because we know what we can lose and what it would feel like if something like this happened to us in real life.)

“Malaki ‘yung difference ngayon na may sarili na rin kaming pamilya at may anak na kami,” Zanjoe added. “Nung ina-acting namin ‘yung mag-asawa dati, alam naman namin kung paano gawin. Ngayon nawala na sa isip ko ‘yung performance. Hangga’t maaari, ginagawa ko siya sa pinakasimpleng paraan, sa pinakanatural at authentic na delivery.”

(Having our own families and children made a big difference. We did know how to act like a couple before. But now, it doesn’t feel like a performance anymore. I do it in the simplest way, and in the most natural and authentic kind of delivery as long as the situation allows it.)

Ending on a hopeful note

Other than the impeccable acting of the cast, Jeturian also emphasized the film’s message that  goes beyond the legal process of annulment and instead focuses on the lived realities of separation and its impact on individuals and families. While the film does not diminish the value of marriage, it invites viewers to reflect on identity, choice, and personal freedom.

“It does not encourage you to seek annulment if you are in a failed marriage. But it encourages you to find yourself, to love yourself, and pursue your own happiness,” Jeturian shared. “Regardless of kung magsi-seek ka ng annulment o hindi (whether you’ll seek annulment or not).

Tom Rodriguez also offered his perspective on the film, drawing from his own personal experience. For him, UnMarry reflects the complicated state of marriage and annulment in the country.

“It’s very messy. Talagang magulo siya. Time consuming talaga siya. ‘Yung iba nga parang decades, hindi pa rin nagrant. Kaya in a way, I feel very fortunate that for my own situation, dahil dual citizen ako, I was lucky enough to go through a divorce, which was relatively quicker,” he shared.

(It’s very messy. It’s really complex. It’s really time consuming. For others, it takes decades and it will still not be granted. That’s why in a way, I feel very fortunate for my own situation because I am a dual citizen, I was lucky enough to go through a divorce, which was relatively quicker.)

FAMILIAR ROLE. Tom Rodriguez plays Stephen, Celine’s husband, whose marriage becomes entangled in the film’s annulment proceedings.

In June 2022, Tom revealed that he obtained a divorce in the United States, which nullified his marriage with actress Carla Abellana. It took nearly two years before the Philippine court recognized the decree, underscoring how long such legal processes take in the country.

Acknowledging his privilege, the actor noted that divorce remains inaccessible to most Filipinos, while annulment continues to be costly and time consuming.

Beyond portraying real life struggles, he hopes the film can open conversations about the need for legal options that allow people the freedom to choose themselves.

“I know it’s not an advocacy film. It’s a family film. But if it opens people’s eyes to the limits of our legal system when it comes to annulment, that matters. There are relationships that end, and it is very painful for everyone involved. But there are relationships that must end, and freedom is deserved and needed. Sana there’s an easier way to achieve that,” Tom said.

The cast ultimately agreed that while the film highlights the value of marriage, it also serves as a cautionary reflection for those entering relationships, urging thought and responsibility before making lifelong commitments.

BACK TOGETHER. UnMarry brings Tom Rodriguez, Zanjoe Marudo, Angelica Panganiban, and Eugene Domingo together once again, years after their memorable turn in the 2010 comedy film Here Comes the Bride.

“It encourages you to think. Everyone makes his own decisions. Sometimes you make mistakes, but there’s always a chance to get out of that mistake and start a better life, whether it’s with another person or on your own,” producer Joji Alonso said.

At its core, UnMarry is a story of hope and renewal, reminding audiences that endings can also be beginnings, especially when one chooses oneself.

As Angelica summed it up: “Laging may hope. Once na matutunan mong mahalin ‘yung sarili mo, pinili mo ‘yung sarili mo, doon magsisimula ‘yung beautiful beginning ng buhay mo.”

(There’s always hope. Once you learn to love yourself and choose yourself, that’s when the beautiful beginning of your life will start.)

“It’s either may makita ka na para sa ’yo, o manatili kang masayang mag isa. And napaka special no’n. It’s a gift na ma-achieve mo sa life mo ‘yun, na talagang nababalik mo ‘yung self-worth mo,” she added.

(It’s either you see someone for you, or you stay happy alone. And that’s so special. It’s a gift to achieve that in life, where your self-worth returns.)

UnMarry opens in cinemas on December 25 as part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival features. – Rappler.com