SOHO International Film Festival in New York, founded by Justin Girard with Festival Director Sibyl Santiago was held this past week Sept. 14 – 21.
The Philippine entry, ‘Blue Room’ by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, had its North American / US Premiere last Sept. 20 as its Closing Film, attended by one of its lead actors, Harvey Bautista and producer Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE.
‘Blue Room’ was also produced by Harlene Bautista of Heaven’s Best Entertainment, Ma-n L. Asuncion-Dagñalan of Eyepoppers, and Ferdy Lapuz.
The film garnered nominations for Best Performance World Showcase Feature (Soliman Cruz and Nour Hooshmand), Best Picture World Showcase Feature category at 14th SOHO International Film Festival. The film garnered the highest Audience Award World Showcase Feature.
Just recently, the film was officially selected at 19th LA Femme International Film Festival, to be screened on October 21, 2023 in Regal Cinemas LA LIVE, Los Angeles, California.
‘Blue Room’ stars award-winning actor Elijah Canlas and actor-singer-songwriter Juan Karlos together with Harvey Bautista, Nour Hooshmand, Keoni Jun, and a solid ensemble cast lead by international actor Soliman Cruz.
This controversial film about an indie rock band composed of privileged teenagers arrested for drug possession has stirred up discourse amongst critics and viewers, making the film the most watched box-office hit at the Cinemalaya 2022 festival.
The sensibilities and treatment of the movie has resonated to the millenial and Gen-Z audience, especially as the story progresses when the band are brought into the “blue room” where they must make the difficult choice between freedom or standing up for what they believe in.
It was inspired by true events, the film has won multiple-awards at the 18th Cinemalaya Film Festival, including Jury Prize and Best Director.
The film recently won 3 major awards at the 71st FAMAS Awards (Filipino Academy for Movie Arts and Sciences), one of the oldest award giving bodies in the Philippines, Best Director, Best Cinematography for Neil Daza, Best Musical Score for Jazz Nicolas & Mikey Amistoso.
‘Blue Room’ is now available on NETFLIX South East Asia countries.
(ROHN ROMULO)
PATULOY na umaalagwa ang career ni Paolo Contis lalo pa nga at nitong Biyernes, September 22 ay pumirma siya ng panibagong kontrata sa Sparkle ng GMA Network.
MAY possibility pala na mabawasan ang mga hosts ng noontime show na “Eat Bulaga” pero hindi naman ibig sabihin ay tatanggalin nila ang mga regular hosts na napapanood ngayon, kundi may mga soap o ibang projects silang gagawin.
NATULOY na nga ang inaabangang collab nina Kapuso Primetime Queen at kaniyang asawa na si Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes sa paghataw sa TikTok dance video na kinagigiliwan ng mga netizen.