Noel Comia Jr. (left) and Yul Servo in “Kiko Boksingero”
Thop Nazareno’s Baguio-set, coming-of-age drama “Kiko Boksingero” is headed to two film festivals in the United States—the 42nd Cleveland International Film Festival in Ohio (April 4 to 15) and the 8th San Diego Asian Film Festival in California (April 19 to 26).
The Cleveland fest remarks that Nazareno’s film “explores how love and loss affect us in childhood,” adding that “its touching and relatable story is carried by Noel Comia Jr.’s absolutely wonderful performance.” Comia won best actor for his portrayal of the titular kid boxer in last year’s Cinemalaya.
The San Diego fest, which will present 15 films from nine countries, notes that the Cinemalaya film “refreshes definitions of family and inspires us to cherish all the care we have around us.”
Nazareno told the Inquirer: “The best recognition or award for me is to be able to share my film with a bigger audience.”
He said that he’s “grateful and humbled for the opportunity” to screen in two US cities. “Cleveland will be the first international festival I’ll be attending for ‘Kiko.’”—BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.