ANIMA Studios is delighted to announce that three of its 2023 productions have been selected to participate in the esteemed Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy, commencing on May 24, 2024. Both “Rookie” and “When This Is All Over,” co-produced by ANIMA, received significant recognition at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2023 before making their highly anticipated international debut at FEFF. With its renowned dedication to showcasing the finest works of Asian cinema, FEFF provides an exceptional platform for these films to engage with a broader audience. Notably, the festival will mark the international premiere of “When This Is All Over.”
In addition to “Rookie” and “When This Is All Over,” ANIMA’s collaboration with Project 8 Projects, the Antonette Jadaone-directed “Sunshine,” has been chosen as one of the selected projects for FEFF’s Far East In Progress program. This exclusive European platform is dedicated to supporting Asian films in post-production, seeking international distribution and festival premieres.
FEFF’s celebration of Asian cinema extends to diverse films from countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Serving as a vital conduit between Asian filmmakers and European audiences, the festival fosters cultural exchange and appreciation for cinematic brilliance.
In the previous year, ANIMA was represented at FEFF by “Where Is The Lie?” (Marupok AF), starring Maris Racal and EJ Jallorina, directed by Quark Henares. This participation underscores ANIMA’s commitment to producing compelling narratives that resonate both locally and internationally, further solidifying its position in the global film landscape.
A heartwarming queer romance
“Rookie,” co-produced by ANIMA, Kumu, and Project 8 Projects in 2023, marks the directorial debut of Samantha Lee. The film, featuring a screenplay by Lee and Natts Jadaone, stars Pat Tingjuy, Aya Fernandez, and Agot Isidro. Set in a high school setting, “Rookie” is a poignant LGBTQIA coming-of-age story that revolves around a transferee who joins the volleyball team and finds herself falling for the team captain. Tingjuy’s outstanding performance as rookie Ace Asuncion earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at Cinemalaya, while Lee was honored with the Cinemalaya Audience Choice Award for her direction.
Risky mid-pandemic business
Co-produced by ANIMA, This Side Up, and RSVP Film Studios in 2023, “When This Is All Over” is helmed by director and co-writer Kevin Mayuga. The screenplay is a collaboration between Mayuga, Abbey De Guia-Mayuga, and Benedict Mendoza. Starring actor-singer Juan Karlos Labajo, the film centers on an illegal rave party organized mid-pandemic, exploring themes of social divisions and the frustrations brought about by social distancing measures. While the film is set for a local cinema release later this year, its inclusion in the Far East Film Festival highlights its international appeal and recognition.
Teenage Dream and Dilemma
“Sunshine” follows the journey of a young gymnast who learns she’s pregnant just before the national team tryouts. While en route to seek illegal abortion drugs, she encounters a mysterious girl who shares her thoughts and speech patterns. Maris Racal, known for her role in ANIMA and Project 8 Projects’ series “Simula Sa Gitna,” takes on the lead role in this poignant narrative.
From ANIMA to the world
“I am incredibly proud and excited to see three of ANIMA’s productions shining brightly at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy,” said Bianca Balbuena, General Manager of ANIMA. “It is our goal to showcase the remarkable talents of our film creatives to the world, and I believe this is just the beginning for these exceptional films. I hope this exposure will increase global audiences’ opportunities to experience and appreciate our unique stories,” shares Bianca Balbuena.
ANIMA Studios eagerly awaits the international premieres of “Rookie” and “When This Is All Over” at FEFF, anticipating greater acclaim and recognition for these exceptional films on a global scale. For further details about the Far East Film Festival, visit https://www.fareastfilm.com/eng/.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.