iACADEMY Student wins International Film Festival – Manhattan for “Blue Room Feelings”

Ruka Azuma, Multimedia Arts and Design Program student from iACADEMY and his short documentary film: Blue Room Feelings won an award from the International Film Festival – Manhattan (IFFM).

 

Ruka Azuma received the Independent Achievement award alongside other top Filipino directors. He is also the youngest director of his co-winners in the category.

 

“The results are in and I’m ecstatic to receive my first international award. All my thanks to the International Film Festival Manhattan NYC for awarding ‘Blue Room Feelings’ the Independent Achievement Award!”, Azuma said.

 

Blue Room Feelings is a short film that was solely directed and written by Ruka Azuma. It revolved around a student-artist staying at home for 85-days as he courses through online classes, mental struggles, and physical challenges brought by the quarantine while being enclosed in his blue painted room. The film demonstrates innovation in the industry and its relevance to current situations.

 

Blue Room Feelings is not new to the spotlight as it has already won 2 awards locally prior to the IFFM. Azuma’s win is also the second one for iACADEMY in the IFFM, with the first one being “Yolanda” by Krizia May Villanueva and Jennelyn Castillejo who won “Best Student Film” last 2015. 

 

“Tapping into the feeling of a true game changer and inspiring our Multimedia Arts and Design community, our very own Ruka Azuma once again delivers a groundbreaking win with his short documentary "Blue Room Feelings", making his first international impact with the Independent Achievement Award from the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan NYC.” said Mario Serrano, Chair of The Multimedia Arts and Design Program of iACADEMY.

 

Held last November 19 to 22, 2020, the International Film Festival – Manhattan is a film festival that aims to bridge the gap between the vast culture of New York and its people. One of its missions is to support the filmmakers in finding their audience in New York. 

 

iACADEMY’s Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) program prepares students for the growing need for highly qualified, multidisciplinary professionals in the creative industries. MAD students are meticulously guided by highly experienced professionals to make the best out their artistic skills.

 

“iACADEMY empowers the Filipino Creative.” Serrano said.