A MULTIMEDIA Arts and Design Program student from iACADEMY bagged an award at the International Film Festival – Manhattan for his short documentary film Blue Room Feelings.

Ruka Azuma received the Independent Achievement award alongside other top Filipino directors. He is the youngest winner in the category.

“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 written and directed by Azuma. It is the story of a student-artist who stayed at home for 85 days, struggling through online classes and the physical challenges brought by the quarantine while inside his blue room.

The film demonstrates innovation and its relevance to current situations.

Blue Room Feelings already won 2 local awards.

Azuma’s win is the second for iACADEMY in the IFFM, the first one being “Yolanda” by Krizia May Villanueva and Jennelyn Castillejo who won “Best Student Film” in 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,” Mario Serrano, chairman of The Multimedia Arts and Design Program of iACADEMY, said.

The IFFM was held from November 19 to 22, 2020.