“Yellow Rose,” the multi-awarded film produced by the ABS-CBN Cinematografo Originals and starring Broadway star Eva Noblezada and Tony awardee Lea Salonga, continues to create buzz in the international film circles  as it received the honor of opening the prestigious 42^nd Asian American International Film Fest this July in New York City.
 
The movie, written and directed by Filipina-American filmmaker Diane Paragas, was one of the winners of ABS-CBN’s Cinematografo Originals contest seed grants.
 
The first trailer released for the movie teases the timely and touching story of the Filipino-American experience told through the eyes of Rose (Eva), an aspiring country musician and undocumented Filipino immigrant in modern-day Texas. Rose’s somewhat idyllic life is falls apart when Immigration authorities detain her mother (played by Princess Punzalan). Rose flees for safety and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and meets various individuals played by Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga and country music star Dale Watson. The film is poignant as it tackles pressing issues in society today, while centering on the Filipino values of family, hope, and sacrifice.
 
The coming-of-age musical is set against a beautiful soundtrack of original songs written by Diane, Eva, and Dale.
 
“Yellow Rose” first premiered on May 2 at the 35th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) where it was also chosen to open the annual festival. It went on to win the festival’s Grand Jury Prize for North American Narrative Feature, while Eva won the Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Performance. It also picked up the Jury Award for Feature Narrative at the Bentonville Festival and the COMCAST Narrative Award at the CAAMFest 27 Festival.
 
The Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) is “the first and longest-running festival of its kind dedicated to showcasing the moving image work by media artists of Asian descent, from any nationality, and about the Asian community.”
 
The 42nd Asian American International Film Festival will run July 25 - August 3 with full lineup for sale on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. “Yellow Rose” meanwhile will premiere in the Philippines later this year. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.