Princess Punzalan’s comeback movie ‘Yellow Rose’ to open prestigious LA film fest

MANILA, Philippines —  One of the first two winners of ABS-CBN Cinematografo Originals, “Yellow Rose” starring Broadway icon and Tony award winner Lea Salonga and nominee Eva Noblezada, will have its grand world premiere by opening the prestigious 35th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) on May 2.

“Yellow Rose” tells the story of headstrong but talented Rose (Eva), a Filipina teen from a small Texas town, dreaming to leave and fighting to pursue her country music dreams while facing the threat of deportation.

The film is written and directed by Filipino-American award-winning film documentary and commercial director Diane Paragas and co-written by another award-winning writer Annie J. Howell. 

“Yellow Rose” also features a top-tier cast, including Tony Award-winning actress and Grammy nominee Lea Salonga, Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada, country music star Dale Watson, Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez (“The Walking Dead”), Libby Villari (“Boyhood”), and Princess Punzalan.

“Yellow Rose” becomes the first film by a Filipina American director to be selected as Opening Night presentation at the LAAPFF. It is also the award-winning director’s first attempt to do a full-length feature.

The Cinematografo International Film Festival is an annual film exhibition series that aims to showcase emerging filmmaking talent from around the world, focusing on issues of representation and inclusivity.

“Yellow Rose” screens on Opening Night at the Aratani Theatre at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles on May 2 (Thursday) at 7 p.m. The LAAPFF will present films in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, and the L.A. Live Entertainment Center from May 2 to 10.