Fresh from NPR (National Public Radio) and Asian Journal taking notice, the strong word-of-mouth for Brown Soup Thing continues after enthusiastic premiere weekend at UNLV. Audience is filled with organizational leaders and dignitaries from Philippines, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and home state Nevada. Filipino American Student Association (FASA) and Malinius prove powerful force in bringing community together for acclaimed film that now sets sights on Florida.
LAS VEGAS, NV – Jason Fajardo drove 300 miles to see Brown Soup Thing on Saturday. He loved it so much he stayed in town to see it again the next day. He was so moved by the film that he had to personally thank its writer/director.
“Thank you for making a movie about my life.”
That sentiment was shared by hundreds of new fans made in Las Vegas on an action-packed weekend that also saw Manny Pacquiao defeat Miguel Cotto to become the only boxer to win seven world titles in seven weight divisions.
Berto Ponce, 26, and his uncle Harold also saw the movie twice and enjoyed interacting with the actors and fans after the shows.
“After both shows everyone was talking about how they could relate to individual characters in the movie. Many related to the Vanillapino characters, while many more could identify with bits and pieces of each of the siblings and cousins in the movie. That’s one of the movie’s many strengths – it successfully encompasses several aspects of the Filipino American experience.”
Sure enough, the audience could be heard after the screenings quoting back to one another their favorite lines and scenes from Brown Soup Thing.
As the cast and writer/director Edward J. Mallillin continue to work hard to promote and tour with the movie, it was a rewarding and successful weekend, bringing new fans to the movie’s growing popularity.
“We expected a good turnout from Las Vegas, but what I think surprised me more was how many people from other states and countries came to see the movie,” said Mallillin. “And we’re also noticing a nice trend of repeat viewers, which is very humbling.”
Reporters from New York, fans from the Philippines, and even Los Angeles’ Philippine Consul General Mary Jo A. Bernado-Aragon made the trip to see Brown Soup Thing. The audience was also filled with promoters and community activists and leaders.
“Having heard so much about Brown Soup Thing, I was fortunate to have attended the Los Angeles premiere to finally see it for myself, and now here in Las Vegas as well,” said Arnold Noche, well-respected Filipino American who serves as a director of the Filipino American Network (FAN) in LA. “I thought that the film was well-shot with a nice underscore. The actors and actresses displayed great chemistry and dialogue and the cameos tied everything quite nicely. Congrats to the director, Ed Mallillin, and I look forward to his future works.”
Fans were also thrilled that comedian Joey Guila, who stars in the film, made an appearance in Las Vegas and served as emcee.
"Joey Guila was hilarious in the movie and really depicts the witty humor that many Filipino Americans can relate to," said Christy Miguel, Las Vegas Promoter & Event Manager.
With a successful Las Vegas premiere complete, Mallillin and his actors now set their sites on Florida. The film has been selected for the Delray Beach Film Festival in March, and several other groups throughout the state have expressed interest in bringing Brown Soup Thing to their communities.
“We are in the process of scheduling a tour of Florida and the East Coast in general,” said Supervising Producer Shana Quisumbing. “The popularity of our film continues to grow and we are excited to introduce it to new fans.”
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, and Cora Yellen; singers Becca Godinezand Anthony Castelo; and popular Asian-American comedians Paul “PK” Kim and KT Tatara.
Brown Soup Thing’s principal cast includes Kimee J. 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, and Sari Arambulo, all starring in their very first feature film.
Brown Soup Thing is an official selection of the Delray Beach Film Festival, the Filipino International Film Festival Los Angeles, the Pacific Media Expo (PMX), and the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival.
Mallillin is also the creator and executive producer of the hugely popular internet series Flipped Switch, which will provide fans with exclusive coverage of Brown Soup Thing's weekend in Las Vegas. Among the many guests who have appeared on the show: 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.
Florida, your chance is coming this Spring! BST is an official selection of the Delray Beach Film Festival, taking place March 22-28. Showtimes and other cities will be announced soon. For more information on how to bring Brown Soup Thing to your community, whether in Florida or anywhere else, email us at info@malinius.com.
CONTACT INFO:
Shana Quisumbing, Supervising Producer
info@malinius.com
(310) 987.9989