By Mheryll L. Alforte
Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez cements her name in the international scene as she bags the Rising Star Award in the recent New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) for her role in the film “Dito at Doon”(Here and There).
The news was first announced on TBA Studios’ official Twitter account on Saturday, Aug. 7.
“Ibang klase talaga si Len, mapa-DITO man at DOON! We would like to congratulate our very own @janinegutierrez on winning the Rising Star Award at the New York Asian Film Festival 2021!”
The award-winning actress replied with a quote-tweet, sharing that this feat was a “dream come true.”
“Thank you to my TBA family – at sa lahat ng Len na patuloy na lumalaban!” she wrote.
The official Twitter account of NYAFF also shared about the news on Saturday which was also quote-tweeted by Gutierrez to express her gratitude for being a part of the film festival.
“So honored! Thank you @NYAFF! [It is my] second year to have a film part of your festival and I was so sad that for the second time, we're still unable to attend – but now I'm just filled with gratitude. Thank you for supporting Filipino films and creatives!”
Directed by JP Habac, “Dito at Doon” (Here and There) is set during the pandemic. It tells the story of Len (Janine) and Caloy (JC Santos), two lonely students who initially forged a friendship online that eventually developed into a romantic relationship.
Last year, Janine’s award-winning 2019 thriller “Babae at Baril” (The Girl and the Gun) also served as the opening film for NYAFF.
NYAFF is a critically acclaimed film festival held in New York City that champions the works of Asian film culture.