Lucy Liu honoured with Réalta Award in Belfast

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. She expressed deep emotion about being recognised in Belfast, a city she described as "magical."

Connection to Belfast

Liu recalled filming Old Guy in Belfast two years prior and said living there for a month allowed her to feel closely connected to the community. She praised the warmth and joy of the crew and locals.

"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."

She reflected on Northern Ireland's rich history and the city's remarkable transformation, noting that "there’s a story behind everything."

About the Film Rosemead

Rosemead is based on a true story about Irene Chao, an immigrant widow with terminal cancer whose teenage son struggles with mental health issues. The film is set in the Chinese American community of Rosemead, California.

Liu shared that the film’s themes about mental health stigma resonate globally. She was taken aback to learn the actual events occurred recently, in 2015, and called the tragedy "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 honors Northern Ireland's community ties and mental health awareness through her award-winning role in Rosemead, highlighting a powerful, true story.

RTE.ie — 2025-11-04