LOS ANGELES, CA -- Even Rob Schneider wanted to watch Brown Soup Thing. And he left the building the same way the rest of a packed Los Angeles Theatre Center did: entertained and hungry.
The premiere of the acclaimed Brown Soup Thing in Los Angeles was a star-studded, red carpet affair that had fans laughing, craving food, and able to relate to the Filipino American experience from the unique vantage point of writer/director Edward J. Mallillin. Combining laughs, characters that the audience could relate to, and Mallillin's thought-provoking observations on Filipino life in America, Brown Soup Thing left a strong, positive impression at the Filipino International Film Festival in Los Angeles.
"Brown Soup Thing was definitely the centerpiece of the festival," said FIFFLA director Jeff Solema, who noted that the film was easily the weekend's most popular attraction. "We were honored not just by the film's presence, but the entire cast and crew as well. Brown Soup Thing is a great film and fun to watch."
Rob Schneider left the festival entertained, and with Brown Soup Thing t-shirts. He was pleased with the state of Filipino American cinema.
"It's certainly exciting to know that Rob Schneider was sitting in the audience enjoying Brown Soup Thing," said Mallillin. "We are thrilled that he loved the experience and are excited about possibly working with him on future projects. We are also grateful to our supportive audience and fans, as well as the Filipino International Film Festival for working with us in bringing Brown Soup Thing to Los Angeles."
With its next stop in Las Vegas on November 14-15 at UNLV (same weekend as the Pacquiao/Cotto fight), the cast and crew are prepared to embark upon a journey that hopes to bring Brown Soup Thing to as many cities and communities as possible. Mallillin stressed to the audience the importance of sharing this experience with people in other places.
"We are working with colleges and community groups to bring Brown Soup Thing everywhere we can," said Mallillin. "This is a movie by Filipinos and for Filipinos. Anyone interested in bringing the movie to their community should contact us right away."
Actress Cheryl Noe, who also attended the Chicago premiere, was equally excited about the audience's reaction. "It was great to have such a wonderful turnout for the LA premiere," said Noe, who also hosts Flipped Switch. "The audience appreciated not only how the film was done artistically, but also the issues that were addressed throughout."
FIFFLA's official spokesperson Rowena Galam was an excited first-time viewer. "Brown Soup Thing will be a success," said the popular model. "Filipino Americans will totally relate to it and non-Filipino friends will appreciate learning about our culture from watching it."
ABS/CBN was also on hand to provide coverage for the event, interviewing Mallillin and many of the film's stars. Los Angeles fans were definitely treated to an evening of stars and entertainment.
Most of the principal cast was in attendance to celebrate the premiere: Kimee Balmilero (Hi-5), Jenilee Reyes (Deal or No Deal), Philippine legend Bernardo Bernardo, Cheryl Noe (The Bold & The Beautiful), Rona Par (The Flip Side), Earl Baylon (The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien), stage veteran Wil Olandria, and Sari Arambulo, who wowed in her very first feature film, portraying Lita.
The audience was also excited for Jenilee Reyes, whose hit single "Love Like Mine" was featured in Brown Soup Thing.
Brown Soup Thing features 2-dozen special appearances by some of the most recognizable Filipinos and other Asians in the world. Among them: World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao, internet star Christine “HappySlip” Gambito, Filipino stars Raymond Bagatsing, Bernardo Bernardo and Cora Ugalde Yellen; singers Becca Godinez and Anthony Castelo; and popular Asian-American comedians Paul “PK” Kim and KT Tatara.
Mallillin, who also hosts the series Flipped Switch with Noe and Earl Baylon, was grateful that the show's cast members Stephanie Drutman and Svetlana Dekic attended the premiere.
"There are two things I especially love right now in my life -- Brown Soup Thing and Flipped Switch. I am so happy that both 'families' came out for the fun," said Mallillin.
The series Flipped Switch (www.flippedswitch.com) has developed a huge following in just over a year. Among the many guests who have appeared on the show: director Quentin Tarantino, actors Neil Patrick Harris and John Cho, UFC champion Randy Couture, and Filipino American comedian Jo Koy.
Brown Soup Thing and Flipped Switch are Malinius productions.
Brown Soup Thing next comes to Las Vegas on November 14-15, 2009. Showtimes are 1:oo pm both days, with a chance to meet the cast and crew after both screenings. The UNLV Student Union is located at 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy in Las Vegas, 89154. Parking is free on both days. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) for both shows.
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