Lucy Liu Honoured with Réalta Award in Belfast
Actress Lucy Liu received the Réalta Award at the Belfast Film Festival for her role in the film Rosemead. The Charlie’s Angels star expressed deep emotion upon receiving the honour in what she described as a "magical" city.
"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."
Liu reflected on her filming experience in Belfast two years prior, highlighting the city's rich history and remarkable transformation. She noted that "there’s a story behind everything" in Northern Ireland.
About the Film Rosemead
Rosemead is based on a true story about Irene Chao, an immigrant widow battling terminal cancer, while her teenage son faces mental health struggles. The film is set within the Chinese American community in Rosemead, California.
Liu emphasized the universal relevance of the story’s themes, especially the stigma surrounding mental health worldwide.
"There’s still a lot of stigma around mental health in so many places around the world."
She was shocked that the real events behind the film happened as recently as 2015 and described the tragedy as "preventable."
"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."
Author’s Summary
Lucy Liu’s award-winning performance in Rosemead brings attention to mental health stigma and personal tragedy through a story rooted in community and compassion.