The Asian-American independent drama film Rosemead directed by Eric Lin – produced by and starring Lucy Liu, recipient of Locarno78’s Career Achievement Award – has won the Prix du Public UBS, marking 25 years of the audience award at Locarno Film Festival.
In the film inspired by true events, an ailing woman is stricken by the discovery of her teenage son’s violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him, and possibly others, in this portrait of a Chinese American family.
“After years as a cinematographer, I knew how difficult it was to direct a good film. The experience helped me understand that the stories of Joe and Irene must have been very emotionally rooted. We had to see the film from the inside,” director Eric Lin told Pardo, the Festival’s daily magazine.
Of Liu’s fearless performance, he added, “She was incredible, she gave herself completely to the role […]. I think she was inspired by people she really knew, especially to replicate the physicality and gestures of those who are sick. A couple of times we only did one take because you couldn’t ask for more, it was so moving.”
The 79th Locarno Film Festival will take place August 5-15, 2026.
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