THE SOHO International Film Festival in New York, founded by Justin Girard with festival director Sibyl Santiago, was held from September 14 to 21.
The Philippine entry, “Blue Room” by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, had its North American / US Premiere last Sept 20 as its closing film and attended by one of its lead actors Harvey Bautista and producer Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE.
“BLUE ROOM” was produced by Harlene Bautista under 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 got 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 in Regal Cinemas LA LIVE, Los Angeles, California.
The “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.
The controversial film about an indie rock band composed of privileged teenagers arrested for drug possession has stirred up discourse among 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 three 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.
