Latest Posts

tech 6

HUAWEI Gives Users Premium Care for Devices Free-of-Charge for a Worry-Free Experience with the New Service Upgrade Program

tech 1

Ber Months, Ber Vibes Binges: The Perfect Movies & Series to Start Your Cozy September

huawei 2

Discover the Masterpiece in Every Stunning Detail with Ultra Chroma Camera Technology and Redefined Super Symbol Design of the HUAWEI Pura 80, Now Available for PHP 47,999

ANIMA Studios’ ‘Rookie,’ ‘When This Is All Over,’ and ‘Sunshine’ Join the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy

Screenshot

SHARE

ANIMA Studios is thrilled to announce that three of its 2023 productions will join the prestigious Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy, on May 24, 2024. 

“Rookie” and “When This Is All Over” were both co-produced by ANIMA and have garnered significant acclaim at Cinemalaya Film Festival 2023 before their much-anticipated international debut at FEFF. The Far East Film Festival, renowned for its dedication to showcasing the best of Asian cinema, provides an ideal platform for these films to reach a wider audience. The festival also marks the international premiere of “When This Is All Over.”

Photo from Kroma Entertainment

Meanwhile, the Antonette Jadaone-helmed Sunshine, a co-production of ANIMA and Project 8 Projects, is one of the selected projects for FEFF’s Far East In Progress. The program is a premier European platform exclusively dedicated to Asian films in post-production seeking international distribution and festival premieres.

FEFF celebrates Asian cinema by featuring a diverse range of films from countries like Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines. It serves as a crucial bridge between Asian filmmakers and European audiences, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation for cinematic excellence.

In 2023, ANIMA was represented by “Where Is The Lie?” (Marupok AF) in the said festival. The  film stars Maris Racal and EJ Jallorina and was directed by Quark Henares.

A heartwarming queer romance

“Rookie,” co-produced by ANIMA, Kumu, and Project 8 Projects in 2023, is directed by Samantha Lee. The film features a screenplay by her and Natts Jadaone and stars Pat Tingjuy, Aya Fernandez, and Agot Isidro. “Rookie” is a coming-of-age LGBTQIA film that follows a high school transferee who joins the volleyball team and falls in love with the team captain. Tingjuy was awarded Best Actress at Cinemalaya for her portrayal of rookie Ace Asuncion while Lee received the Cinemalaya Audience Choice Award for the film. 

Risky mid-pandemic business

Co-produced by ANIMA, This Side Up, and RSVP Film Studios in 2023, “When This Is All Over” is directed and co-written by Kevin Mayuga. Abbey De Guia-Mayuga and Benedict Mendoza share screenplay duties with Mayuga.

Photo from Kroma Entertainment

It stars actor-singer Juan Karlos Labajo and revolves around an illegal rave party his character co-organized mid-pandemic as he delves into the  frustrations caused by social divisions and social distancing. Locally, “When This Is All Over” is slated for a cinema run later this year.

Teenage Dream and Dilemma 

“Sunshine” tells the story of a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts. On her way to a seller of illegal abortion drugs, she meets a mysterious girl who eerily talks and thinks like her. Maris Racal, also previously cast in the ANIMA and Project 8 Projects series Simula Sa Gitna, plays the lead role.  

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.

Photo from Kroma Entertainment

“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 lead to more opportunities for global audiences to experience and appreciate the unique stories we have to offer,” shares Bianca Balbuena.

ANIMA Studios looks forward to the international premieres of “Rookie” and “When This Is All Over” at FEFF and anticipates further success and recognition for these outstanding films on the global stage.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Kroma Entertainment

RELATED ARTICLES

tech 6

HUAWEI Gives Users Premium Care for Devices Free-of-Charge for a Worry-Free Experience with the New Service Upgrade Program

HUAWEI sets a new standard in after-sales care by offering premium services to users entirely free of charge with the Service Upgrade Program in 2025....
tech 1

Ber Months, Ber Vibes Binges: The Perfect Movies & Series to Start Your Cozy September

There’s something about the “Ber months” that feels instantly different. The nights get cooler, Christmas playlists start sneaking into jeepney rides and malls, and the...
huawei 2

Discover the Masterpiece in Every Stunning Detail with Ultra Chroma Camera Technology and Redefined Super Symbol Design of the HUAWEI Pura 80, Now Available for PHP 47,999

Capture the richness of life’s moments with the HUAWEI Pura 80, a smartphone that blends timeless elegance with powerful performance designed just for you. It...
borderlands

Break Free: Borderlands®4 Now Available Worldwide

Today, 2K and Gearbox Software announced that Borderlands®4, the definitive looter-shooter and latest entry in the genre-defining Borderlands franchise, is now available worldwide for PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S,...
deped 1

No more waiting for vacancies: DepEd operationalizes expanded career progression system for teachers 

Marking National Teachers’ Month celebration and in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen the teaching profession, the Department of Education (DepEd)...
engage 3

Christian Comedian John Crist Shares Engagement News

A joyful milestone has lit up the social media feeds of fans and followers everywhere this week, as one of comedy’s most beloved christian figures...
tech 6

HUAWEI Gives Users Premium Care for Devices Free-of-Charge for a Worry-Free Experience with the New Service Upgrade Program

HUAWEI sets a new standard in after-sales care by offering premium services to users entirely free of charge with the Service Upgrade Program in 2025....
tech 1

Ber Months, Ber Vibes Binges: The Perfect Movies & Series to Start Your Cozy September

There’s something about the “Ber months” that feels instantly different. The nights get cooler, Christmas playlists start sneaking into jeepney rides and malls, and the...
huawei 2

Discover the Masterpiece in Every Stunning Detail with Ultra Chroma Camera Technology and Redefined Super Symbol Design of the HUAWEI Pura 80, Now Available for PHP 47,999

Capture the richness of life’s moments with the HUAWEI Pura 80, a smartphone that blends timeless elegance with powerful performance designed just for you. It...

Don't Miss

viber_image_2025-09-12_14-08-28-062

Outpouring of Grief After Death of Charlie Kirk

kirk 3

Charlie Kirk’s Life Defined by Christian Service & Witness Before His Passing

Screen Shot 2025-08-26 at 10.33.59 PM

Trump links Ukraine Peace Efforts to Getting into Heaven

japan

Could Japan Become the ‘Land of the Risen Son’, Jesus? Superbook Spreads the Gospel