Playing in front of its most ethnically diverse and eclectic audience yet, Brown Soup Thing impresses enthusiastic new fans with its combination of laughs, thought-provoking issues, and relatable life experiences. Although film is about a Philippine American family, the predominantly non-Filipino crowd just as impressed with acclaimed feature film. Comedian and actor KT Tatara attends panel and keeps fans laughing.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- If anyone thought that a movie about a Filipino American family would only appeal to Filipinos, that myth was quickly destroyed after Brown Soup Thing wowed a racially diverse and enthusiastic audience Saturday night at the Pacific Media Expo (PMX).
"This is not just a Filipino movie, this is something that everybody really needs to see," said festival worker Kristen Bryant. "Truly, this is a special film; it's funny and it makes you think, the whole crowd loved it."
Stand-up comedian and Comedy Central's KT Tatara (How I Met Your Mother), who made a special appearance in the film, was part of the panel and delighted PMX fans with his hilarious observations about Asians, YouTube, and the entertainment industry.
Playing in front of an audience that was significantly more Caucasian, African American, Japanese, and Korean than previous screenings, writer/director Edward J. Mallillin was delighted to see his movie bring the same thought-provoking laughs and cheers that were heard at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival and the Filipino International Film Festival Los Angeles.
"I have always believed that in the end, this is a movie everyone can relate to," said Mallillin. "Tonight definitely proved that. We are so grateful to the PMX family for giving us this opportunity, and for all of the support they've given Brown Soup Thing. Kudos to PMX for running such a great event."
PMX officials were also thrilled with audience reaction and stayed around to watch the panel, Q&A, and packed screening. Fans stayed around long after the movie to chat with the actors and purchase t-shirts.
"The successful Pacific Media Expo screening of Brown Soup Thing speaks to the universality of family and the search for identity within that family dynamic regardless of nationality," said Paula Angeles, Director of Marketing & Community Outreach. "We had very happy multicultural attendees who were in cosplay, lolita, or t-shirt & jeans laughing together. They had a great time!"
"It's great when Asian Americans of different backgrounds can work together in a film," said Tatara. "You don't have to be Filipino to enjoy Brown Soup Thing and I hope this will inspire more Asian American projects."
The panel and screening were rounded out with Miss Saigon and Hi-5 star Kimee Balmilero, Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien's Earl Baylon, The Flip Side's Rona Par, Anne Santiago, Geg, and Shana Quisumbing.
Nevada fans are also anticipating the Las Vegas premiere on November 14-15 at UNLV. The city expects a record number of Filipinos and Asians in the area, as world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao will be fighting Miguel Cotto the same weekend.
Brown Soup Thing is a comedy-drama about a comfortably disconnected Filipino American family. In order to raise her unacceptable A- average, 10 year-old Lita must submit a video project about what it means to be a Filipino in America. Her upcoming birthday provides the perfect setting to unite everyone: parents who can't relate to their kids, immigrant sister Fely, the always-guilty over-achiever brother Jude, hip-hop sister Maria, an array of cousins, her grandmother who just wants to cook, and favorite sister Shana, who moved out of the country to get away from everyone.
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 andCora Ugalde Yellen; singers Becca Godinez and Anthony Castelo; and popular Asian-American comedians Paul “PK” Kim and KT Tatara.
Brown Soup Thing’s principal cast includes Kimee Balmilero (Hi-5), Jenilee A. Reyes (Deal or No Deal), Cheryl Noe (The Bold & The Beautiful), comedian Joey Guila (HBO’s P Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy), and Rona Par (The Flip Side). BST is also proud to introduce Earl Baylon, Wil Olandria, andSari Arambulo, all starring in their very first feature film.
Mallillin is also the creator and executive producer of the hugely popular internet series Flipped Switch. Among the many guests who have appeared on the show:Harold and Kumar star John Cho, director Quentin Tarantino, actor Neil Patrick Harris, UFC champion Randy Couture, and Filipino personalities such as Jo Koy, Camille Velasco, and Christine “HappySlip” Gambito.
Brown Soup Thing and Flipped Switch are Malinius productions.
Brown Soup Thing screens at UNLV's Student Union on November 14-15 (both shows start at 1:00 pm). Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.
CONTACT INFO:
Shana Quisumbing,
Malinius Supervising Producer
info@malinius.com
(310) 987.9989
TICKET/MOVIE INFO:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com
http://www.facebook.com/malinius
