In the grand tradition of inspiring dramas that celebrate family relationships, Star Cinema proudly presents young stars Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes in “Way Back Home,” a heartwarming film about enduring love and forgiveness. In the powerhouse cast are Tonton Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon, Enrique Gil, S am Concepcion, and Agot Isidro. The director is Jerry Lopez Sineneng whose fine body of work includes the teleserye “Imortal” and 1999’s “Soltera”.

“Way Back Home” tells the story of the Santiago sisters, Jessica (played by Julia) and Joanna (portrayed by Kathryn). They were separated when they were still young. Joanna got lost during a vacation. Since then, Jessica has felt unloved by their mother Amelia (played by Agot). Their family spent the entire 12 years trying to look for the missing Joanna because Amelia refuses to believe that her child is dead.

All this time, Joanna has been living as the daughter of a fisherman and his wife who had raised the girl as their own flesh and blood. Now named Ana Bartolome, she grows up in a simple but loving home by the seashore.

Ana and Jessica meet as teenagers. In the process, Ana is reunited with her biological family. As Amelia’s grief turns into joy and showers attention on Ana to make up for lost time, Jessica feels more left out and envious. The sisters and the rest of the family struggle to build a harmonious relationship in spite of their hurts and brokenness.

Kathryn and Julia feel very blessed to be given a very important film. Kathryn says, “Sobrang thankful po kami at Masaya dahil binigyan kami ng chance na maipakita naman ‘yung iba naming side.”

Julia, who describes this break as an “extremely big opportunity,” is still amazed even as they have wrapped up shooting and are already promoting the movie. “Hindi kami makapaniwal. Nagpapasalamat kami and may halong pressure talaga.” She declares that she and Kathryn are challenged to please the discriminating movie audiences. “Sa TV, busan mo lang ang T mapapanood ka na. Sa pelikula, talagang mag-e-effort sila na maglabas ng sariling pera,” reasons Julia. “Kaya kailangan worth it ‘yung mapanood nilang pelikula,” Kathryn points out.

The young actresses need not worry because Direk Jerry is more than satisfied with their performances. “Kahit anong ibato mo, a-absob nila nang a-absorb. They are very eager and passionate about the project,” he says of his two leads. Agot, who returns to making films for Star Cinema after long time, says that one of the reasons she immediately accepted the offer was because of the material and because of Julia and Kathryn. The acclaimed recording artist and star says, “Alam kong maganda ang project at brilliant ang dalawang young actresses”.

Based on the increasing fan support and the great interest in the film, Direk Jerry predicts a long and fruitful career for his main stars. “This is the launching of Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes na minahal ng buong bayan, buong mundo,” he reiterates. “They will go far… these two future superstars.”

“Way Back Home” opens in theaters on August 17.