Filipino-directed film ‘Blue Room’ wins best foreign film at LA film fest

Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan‘s impressive directorial debut, “Blue Room,” clinched the Best Foreign Film award at the 19th La Femme International Film Festival in Los Angeles.

This historic win marked the first time a Filipina filmmaker received this prestigious recognition at the festival, which spotlights and champions content produced, written, and directed by women from across the globe.

“Blue Room” delves into the moral dilemma confronting the socially conscious teenage rock band Rebel Rebel as they grapple with the choice of leveraging their privilege to escape arrest or staying true to their ideals. The compelling drama stars Harvey Bautista, Juan Karlos Labajo, Keoni Jin, Elijah Canlas, Nour Hooshmand, Soliman Cruz, and Bombi Plata.

In addition to its success at the LA Femme International Film Festival, “Blue Room” has received recognition on various international and national platforms.

The film secured three nominations at the Soho International Film Festival in New York, including Best World Showcase Feature Film and Best Acting Performance in a Leading Role – World Feature for Nour Hooshmand and Soliman Cruz.

“Blue Room” made a significant impact at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival last August 2022, securing five prestigious honors, such as Best Director, Special Jury Prize in the main competition, Best Supporting Actor for Soliman Cruz, Best Cinematography by Neil Daza, and Best Production Design by Maolen Fadul.

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The independent film got its theatrical release in the Philippines through TBA Studios.

The success of “Blue Room” not only brings honor to the filmmaker herself but also highlights the storytelling and talent that Filipino cinema has to offer on the international stage.