Barcelona Based Filipina Shaina Kim Luis Cabral Lands Lead Role in Spanish Film “Solo Kim”

In line with its commitment to empower Filipinos in Barcelona, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona recently met with Ms. Shaina Kim Luis Cabral, an emerging artist in Spanish cinema. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Ms. Cabral's upcoming projects and offer guidance to support her in her burgeoning film career.

Originally from Dasmariñas, Cavite, Ms. Cabral moved to Spain in July 2022. Despite having no prior acting experience–her academic background is in engineering–she secured the lead role in the Spanish film Solo Kim following a highly competitive casting call in July 2023. This achievement is particularly remarkable given that she competed against eight seasoned performers for the role. The unanimous decision to cast Ms. Cabral was attributed to her raw talent and determination.

Solo Kim tells the story of a transgender Asian immigrant navigating life in Barcelona, exploring themes of identity and resilience. The film's central theme resonates deeply with Ms. Cabral’s own experiences, inspiring the director to choose to title the film after her first name, “Kim.” Though fictional, the film draws on real-life experiences, adding a sense of realism to the narrative and film’s script.

In her meeting with the Consulate, Ms. Cabral emphasized her dedication to representing the Philippines with pride and honor. She expressed a strong desire to inspire her fellow countrymen, especially those facing difficulties as an overseas Filipino. She shared a heartfelt message, "To those who are beset by challenges, I encourage you to never stop dreaming and aim for the achievement of your goals, no matter how difficult it may seem as nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it." She further urged those living abroad to maintain strong connections with their Filipino roots, beginning with their families.

Solo Kim premiered at Verdi Cinema in Barcelona on May 9, 2024, and has since been well received by critics. The film has been selected for eight prestigious film festivals, including six Goya Award qualifiers, as follows:

1.Cerdanya Film Festival 2024 (GOYA Qualifier)
August 6, 2024, Cerdanya, Spain
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Ub6AJKgGG/?igsh=OHJja3R2c3NwdTg2

Festival Ager 2024
October 4, 2024, Col·legiata Sant Pere d'Àger, Spain
Awards: Best in Script, Best Supporting Performance
https://www.facebook.com/share/J63QkFPBq89xrrF9/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Concurso K-Lidiscopi Film Festival 2024 (GOYA Qualifier)
October 16-20, 2024, Cullera, Valencia, Spain
https://www.instagram.com/k_lidoscopi_ac/profilecard/?igsh=aDRidTk3M200YWt3
Premios Pávez Festival 2024 (GOYA Qualifier)
October 19, 2024, Teatro Victoria, Talavera de la Reina, Spain + Online
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/TWhBCyb5TF2CQNEo/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Arnedo Octubre Corto 2024 (GOYA Qualifier)
October 22, 2024, Teatro Cervantes de Arnedo, La Rioja, Spain
https://www.facebook.com/share/F4KBCuJ4vYt5mmjv/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Cortopilar 2024
Nov. 11-15,2024,Casa de Cultura,Pilar dela Horadada,Alicante, Spain
https://www.facebook.com/share/rFh7emk3bGNjmXMf/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Les Gai Cine Mad Festival 2024 (GOYA Qualifier)
November 13-24, 2024, Madrid, Spain
https://www.facebook.com/LesGaiCineMad
Aguilar Film Festival 2024 (GOYA Qualifier)
November 29-December 8, 2024, Aguilar de Campoo, Palencia, Spain
https://www.instagram.com/aguilarfilmfest/profilecard/?igsh=MTByb25pNHNwcWRsNg==

For further updates and details, Ms. Cabral’s professional journey, as well as information about the film Solo Kim, can be accessed through the following social media platforms: