In celebration of Filipino American History Month, Asian Pop-Up Cinema joins Chicago Asian Network and the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), in co-presenting new Filipino Arts Festival with a U.S Premiere screening of “Akin Ang Korona” starting at 4:30pm at Alliance Française De Chicago, 54 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL. Following the screening will be a Filipino Filmmakers Panel, and Comedy Show with Rex Navarette and JR de Guzman.
Directed by Zig Madamba Dulay and starring Nar Cabico, Angel Aquino, Aaron Rivera, Kiray Celis, Kiest Viray and Phi Palmos, the film received 11 nominations and picked up Sinag Award for the Best Actor (Nar Cabico) with the film winning the People’s Choice Award for writer/director Zig Madama Dulay. “Akin Ang Korona” follows Nanong (Nar Cabico) as his life becomes the focus of a tabloid-format TV show in hopes of finding his lost father.
Following the film screening, at 6:30 p.m. CST, a Filipino filmmakers panel including 3-time Tony and Grammy Award-winning entertainment producer and FYLPRO alum Jhett Tolentino who is set to debut his directorial film starring Dante Basco and Toni Gonzaga, Emmy award-winning Filipinx filmmaker Michele Josue of Netflix’s “Happy Jail”, Billy Dec who is a 2-time Emmy Award Winning TV Personality, Actor, Attorney and the Founder/CEO of celebrated businesses like Sunda New Asian Restaurants and The Underground Nightclub and Akin ang Korona’s lead actor Nar Cabico will discuss their experience as Filipino American in the film industry moderated by journalist Cat Sandoval.
“We are extremely excited to celebrate Filipino-American History Month in Chicago by showcasing talented Filipino American artists, comedians and creatives that will benefit youth leadership programs for the Filipino Community” said Lakhi Siap, FYLPRO Board of Director and Co-Chair of FYLPRO Arts Fest 2021.
Lastly, after the panel, a comedy stand-up show with comedians Rex Navarrete and JR de Guzman will kick off at 8:30 p.m. CST. Rex Navarrete has performed alongside headliners such as George Lopez, Russell Peters, Ali Wong, among others over the past three decades. His most popular DVD, “Badass Madapaka”, was filmed in front of a sold-out crowd at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. JR De Guzman has entertained all over the world, having performed for Stand-Up Tokyo and ROR Comedy in Japan, the Jokers Ball in Indonesia, the Badaboom Comedy Series in Amsterdam, and countless other international shows.
“It’s an impressive line-up of notable Filipino Americans in Film from all over the USA coming together for Filipino American History Month here in Chicago! It also is a wonderful comeback to the theater on our third collaboration with Asian Pop-up Cinema,” said Louella Rose Cabalona, FYLPRO President, noting the two organizations successfully pivoted to a drive-in screening last year. “My sincerest thank you for Asian Pop-Up Cinema and Chicago Asian Network’s support in helping FYLPRO uplift the profile of Filipinos while also raising funds for our programs benefiting youth leaders.”
Tickets for “Akin Ang Korona” range from $30 to $40. https://fylpro.networkforgood.com/events/34059-akin-ang-korona-us-premiere-fylpro-arts-fest-2021
For more information on filmmakers and performers and to purchase tickets: https://bitly.com/fylproartsfest2021
The organizers encourage wearing masks for everyone’s safety regardless of vaccination status. Alliance Française De Chicago requires wearing a mask when moving around the building (regardless of vaccination status) and social distancing where possible. For the venue’s Covid-19 safety measures, visit www.af-chicago.org/covid-19-information
