Lucy Liu star of the show at Belfast Film Festival

Lucy Liu shared her fond memories of spending a month filming in Northern Ireland as she collected an award at the Belfast Film Festival

Lucy Liu has described the people of Northern Ireland as "warm and welcoming" and praised their baked goods as she attended the Belfast Film Festival.

Soda bread and potato bread were on the menu for the Hollywood star during her visit to Northern Ireland.

But Liu admits she passed on another Ulster fry staple - black pudding - while in Belfast.

On Sunday, the Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill star received an award at the city's annual film festival for her latest movie Rosemead.

"It's just an honour to be here and to celebrate all of the art and the culture the festival has brought to the community," she told BBC News NI.

The last time Liu was in Belfast was two years ago when she says she indulged in "a lot of carbs".

She spent a month in Northern Ireland in 2023 while filming the action comedy film Old Guy.

"People seem to have so much joy and I had a great working experience with everybody," she said.

"I made some really lovely friends."

Lucy Liu with Belfast Film Festival director Michele Devlin and Richard Williams from Northern Ireland Screen

At Sunday's ceremony, Liu received the Réalta (which means "star" in Irish) Award.

The award honours actors and filmmakers who use their craft for the greater good.

"It's so touching and the award is stunning," said Liu.

The Irish premiere of her latest film was shown in Belfast on Sunday as part of the festival, which is now in its 25th year.

As well as starring in Rosemead, Liu produced the movie.

Rosemead explores the relationship between a terminally-ill mother and her schizophrenic teenage son.

Liu hopes the film encourages conversations about mental health.

"I don't think there can be enough conversations about mental health," she said.

"I do think that right now it is something that people are talking about more and more, especially on social media which is a great thing.

"I think it shouldn't be something that should be shrouded in shame and that's what I want to make sure this movie brings to light.

"I think being involved as a producer imburses you completely in the project and so, to me, that is a really good way to start.

"So you are there from the very beginning - you aren't just walking in whilst everything is already set up."

Does she want to do more producing?

"I think I love the producing aspect of it," she said.

"I think I'm going to be more involved for future projects maybe in that way, and just connecting with people that I really enjoy working with."

While Liu may be leaning towards the production side of things, she has some advice for those starting out in the world of film.

"Be a part of things, experience things," she said.

"I think there is no easy route as an artist but you learn as you go and that's how you hone your skills."