Janine Gutierrez’ sends thanks to NYAFF 2021 for the 'Rising Star Award'
Following the successful local and international release of the critically acclaimed hit “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”), the film’s lead star Janine Gutierrez is making waves once more as the recipient of this year’s Rising Star Award from the prestigious New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). Janine won for her portrayal of Len, a political science graduate who tries to navigate family, friendship, and falling in love during a global pandemic.
Janine wasn’t able to attend this year’s festival and awarding ceremony in person, but she expressed her gratitude to the NYAFF via a video message with the award at hand, noting how much the recognition means to her.
“I’ve always wanted to visit you guys in New York and attend the festival in person. This recognition, and you sending [this award] all the way to Manila is something I’m so grateful for,” she said.
Janine also added: “Thank you [NYAFF] for supporting Filipino artists and Filipino films, and for making sure that our stories are out there on the international stage.”
The “Dito at Doon” star is only the second Filipino artist to be honored with this distinction. Therese Malvar, one of the lead stars of TBA Studios’ “1-2-3” (“Gasping for Air”) won the award in 2016 for her role in the film “Hamog”.
Among some of the artists that previously won the Rising Star Award includes South Korean stars So Ji-sub, Kim Go-Eun, Lee Joo-young (more recognizable to K-drama fans from her roles in “Weightlifting Fairy” and “Itaewon Class”), Japan’s Takayuki Yamada (Netflix’s “Naked Director”), and Thailand’s “Bad Genius” lead actress Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying.
Janine shares the Rising Star Award with co-recipients Bang Min-ah (South Korea) and Sosuke Ikematsu (Japan).
NYAFF is North America’s leading festival of Asian cinema, dedicated to the exhibition and appreciation of Asian film culture in all its forms. “Dito at Doon” premiered at the NEXT/NOW program section of the NYAFF last August 21.
Meanwhile, viewers worldwide can catch “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) as it premieres on Netflix globally starting September 2.
Directed by JP Habac of “I’m Drunk I Love You”, “Dito at Doon” also stars JC Santos, Victor Anastacio, and Yesh Burce, with the special participation of Janine’s mom, veteran actress Lotlot de Leon.
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