Love Child

International Premiere

Official Selection, 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival

In LOVE CHILD, love isn’t perfect – it’s messy, raw, and at times, heart-wrenching. Drawing from director Jonathan Jurilla’s personal experiences as a parent of a child with autism, two unwed college sweethearts navigate the complexities of raising an autistic child along with the complexities of young romance and the chaotic, beautiful reality of modern parenthood. With real-life couple Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing giving electric chemistry as Ayla and Paolo, LOVE CHILD balances the hilarious and the heartfelt in a romantic comedy that is also a deeply heartwarming portrait of young adults trying their best.

Ayla and Paolo were madly-in-love college sweethearts when an unplanned pregnancy changed their paths. Years later, their child Kali is the center of their world, and even more so after his autism diagnosis. Ayla’s got a fiery temper that flares up at schoolyard bullies while Paolo is the kind of guy to hold her back to not scare their child. Both wonder if they are doing enough, despite the financial strain of trying to provide the best for Kali amidst an unsupportive, ignorant community.

More than just a romantic comedy, LOVE CHILD is a joyful celebration of imperfect love and the unpredictable journey of raising a family. It’s a tribute to parents everywhere who embrace the unknown, persevere through the chaos, and choose love – every single day.

– Zaza Nguyen