November 13, 2019

Three Filipino Films to take the spotlight at the 23rd Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF)

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is pleased to inform the Filipino community that three (3) Filipino films were chosen as entries to this year`s 23rd Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF). BECOMING LABRADOR, EMPTY BY DESIGN and YELLOW ROSE will take the spotlight as this year’s Canadian spotlight film, centerpiece film and closing film. BECOMING LABRADOR, this year`s Canadian Spotlight Film, is a documentary about a group of Filipino workers who travelled halfway around the world for jobs they hope will offer their families new opportunities and a better life. The film was directed by Rohan Fernando, Tamara Segura and Justin Simms. Please visit the following links for more details: https://festival.vaff.org/2019/programs/canadian-spotlight-title becoming-labrador-preceded-by-sin-sfo/ https://vimeo.com/298390233) EMPTY BY DESIGN, is this year’s Centerpiece film. Written and directed by Andrea A. Walter, a British-Filipina independent writer, director and producer, the film is set in the Philippines. It follows two individuals, Samantha and Eric, who find themselves back home after years of being away. Feeling isolated in a place that was once called home, their friendship helps them find a sense a peace and connection to their lost culture. EMPTY BY DESIGN stars Ms. Rhian Ramos and Osric Chau (Supernatural series), and Madeleine Humphries. Please check the link for more information or share on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAFFvancouver/videos/539691339925788/ https://festival.vaff.org/2019/programs/centrepiece-spotlight-title-empty-by-design-preceded-bynightcap-mariana/) This year`s closing film YELLOW ROSE, is from the awardwinning director, editor and cinematographer and producer, Diane Paragas. The film is about a Filipino girl named Rose who wants to pursue her country music dreams. But her world was shuttered when her mom was suddenly picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. With this new reality, Rose embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she searches for a new home in Texas. YELLOW ROSE stars Eva Noblezada (Tony award nominee), Ms. Lea Salonga (Tony award winner and Grammy nominee), Dale Watson, Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez (“The Walking Dead”), Libby Villari (“Boyhood”), and Princess Punzalan. YELLOW ROSE has already won three Jury awards: Grand Jury Prize at the 35th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Bentonville Film Festival; and the CAAMFest this May. Share via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAFFvancouver/videos/969508510061696/ Website:https://festival.vaff.org/2019/programs/closing-night-film-title-yellow-rose/ Tickets are now available online at www.vaff.org. Tickets may also be purchased during the festival on November 7-10 at the door. VIP passes, which gives guests priority access to all film screenings and special events, may also be purchased before or during the festival. More information about tickets, passes, and ticket bundles can be found at https://festival.vaff.org/2019/tickets-passes/. Media can requests screeners, film stills, and more detailed information by contacting media@vaff.org.