Yellow Rose (2019 film)

Yellow Rose is a 2019 American-Filipino musical drama film co-written and directed by Diane Paragas. It is produced by Cecilia R. Mejia, Diane Paragas, Rey Cuerdo, Orian Williams, and Jeremiah Abraham. The film stars Eva Noblezada, Dale Watson, Princess Punzalan, and Lea Salonga. The plot follows Rose, a Filipina undocumented immigrant, who dreams of leaving her small town in Texas to pursue her country music dreams. Her plan is put on hold when her mother is taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Rose is forced to flee to Austin, Texas.

The film premiered at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on May 2, 2019 and received positive reviews. Stage 6 Films acquired the film and released it on October 9, 2020.

Cast

 * Eva Noblezada as Rose Garcia
 * Lea Salonga as Gail Garcia
 * Dale Watson as himself
 * Princess Punzalan as Priscilla Garcia
 * Gustavo Gomez as Jose
 * Libby Villari as Jolene
 * Liam Booth as Elliot Blatnik

Production
In May 2019, it was announced that the film would premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) on May 2, 2019. Director and screenplay writer Diane Paragas told reporters that the film has been in the works since 2004. It was also announced that Paragas would sing on the soundtrack as well as Eva Noblezada, Lea Salonga, and Dale Watson.

Principal photography began in Austin, Texas and Manila, Philippines on August 17, 2018. Filming wrapped in January 2019.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the film was released by Sony Music Masterworks on October 9, 2020.

Release
Yellow Rose premiered at the LAAPFF on May 2, 2019. It was screened at several other film festivals internationally. It won thirteen film festival awards, particularly praising Paragas' directing and Noblezada and Salonga's performances. Though the film's theatrical release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released on October 9, 2020. The film is one of the first Filipino-American films to be released by a major Hollywood studio for theatrical release.

Box office
Yellow Rose opened in 9th place at the US box office, taking in $150,000 in 900 theaters over its opening weekend.

Critical reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of based on  reviews, with an average of. The site's critical consensus reads, "A coming-of-age story with a timely twist, Yellow Rose offers a fresh -- and sweetly rewarding -- perspective on the immigrant experience." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 71 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Writing for The Philippine Reporter, Ysh Cabana wrote "Yellow Rose is the Filipino-American filmmaker’s response to the harsh reality of 21st Century America’s anti-immigrant policies."

A film critic for Minorities Report Film wrote "Yellow Rose is a much needed film that reminds everyone that we are surrounded by people that might be living in sorrow and pain"

New York Times said Paragas "spins a story that is both politically timely and personal...the music has the greatest staying power..."