The 37th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival just happened, and some amazing stories were shared at the hybrid in-person and virtual event this year. The festival featured a short program section called "Kuwentuhan," which featured Apple Original Film and Skydance Animation's first short film, "Blush." The animated short was directed by Emmy-winning animator Joe Mateo. The short made an earlier appearance at this year's Tribeca Film Festival.

ABS-CBN Reporter and new Hollywood Foreign Press Association member Yong Chavez recently had the chance to sit down with Joe who revealed the inspiration behind this animated short. "Blush" was inspired by Joe's late wife Mary Ann. He recalls meeting her for the first time in college and remembers her blushing right after he introduced himself.

"Our first week of college... I just heard this laughter that's filling up the room. I said, 'Hi!.' As soon as I introduced myself, she turned. She blushed."

Joe Mateo

Devastated by Mary Ann's passing, Joe began writing "Blush" half a year after she passed on. Certain scenes in the movie are based on the emotions and realizations Joe went through during this time. You can now catch "Blush" streaming on Apple TV+.

Cover Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+