Lucy Liu Honoured with Réalta Award at Belfast Film Festival
Actress Lucy Liu received the Réalta Award at the Belfast Film Festival, recognising her role in the film Rosemead. Known for her work in Charlie's Angels, Liu expressed how deeply honoured she was to be recognised in Belfast, a city she described as "magical."
"I was really touched to be honoured here. To actually live here for that month is different than just coming to visit. I felt very connected to the community, and everyone on the crew was very warm and full of joy."
Connection to Belfast
Liu recalled filming Old Guy in Belfast two years prior and highlighted the city’s rich history and significant transformation. She noted, "there’s a story behind everything," reflecting on her experience living in the community during the shoot.
About the Film Rosemead
Rosemead is based on a true story about Irene Chao, an immigrant widow facing terminal cancer, whose teenage son battles mental health issues. The narrative is set within the Chinese American community of Rosemead, California, yet Liu emphasised its universal relevance.
"There’s still a lot of stigma around mental health in so many places around the world."
Liu was struck by the fact that the real events took place in 2015, describing the heartbreaking situation as "preventable". She spoke about the mother's love and fear, sharing her perspective:
"There was a lot of fear for this mother, and she loved her son so much. I really tried to come from a place of love and to understand how difficult it must have been for her to make that choice."
Summary
Lucy Liu’s award-winning performance in Rosemead sheds light on mental health stigma and the human struggles behind true stories, connecting deeply with audiences and communities alike.