Diane Paragas' film Yellow Rose is picked up by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions

According to Deadline, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired all worldwide rights (excluding the Philippines – which will be released in theaters by ABS-CBN) to Diane Paragas’ film, Yellow Rose.

Directed by Paragas, Yellow Rose follows the story of Rose, a Filipina teen from a small town in Texas struggling to pursue her dreams of being a country singer while also facing the threat of deportation. Broadway star and multiple Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada plays the role of Rose. Joining Noblezada is Tony Award winning actress Lea Salonga, Gustavo Gomez, Dale Watson and Princess Punzalan.

Below is part one of my interview with filmmaker Diane Paragas, Producer Cecilia Mejia and actress Princess Punzalan from earlier this year when the film made it’s premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

FILIPINO FILMMAKER MAKES HISTORY AT LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL

Diane Paragas and her film, Yellow Rose, will make history at this year’s 35th Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, making her the first Filipina American Filmmaker to open the festival.  

Directed and written by Diane Paragas, the American movie musical follows the story of Rose, played by Tony award nominee Eva Noblezada, a 17 year old girl who tries to fulfill her dream of becoming a country music star all while facing the threat of deportation. Joining Noblezada is Broadway star and Tony Award winner, Lea Salonga who plays Rose’s aunt. Rounding out the cast is Dale Watson, Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez, Libby Villari and Princess Punzalan.

“I am so humbled that our film has been chosen for this honor.” Paragas told Deadline.com

Paragas also stated that Yellow Rose has taken over 15 years to make and “it couldn’t come at a more important time when anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high. This is a story for everyone facing challenges in finding their voice, their dreams and, more importantly, their home.”

Francis Cullado, the Executive Director of Visual Communications expressed their excitement in showcasing Diane Paragas as the first ever Filipina American Opning Night presentation, saying

“We feel that Yellow Rose’s themes stemming from our collective experiences of what defines American can create cultural cross-connections throughout our diverse communities.”

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will run from May 2nd to May 10th. For more information, you can head to https://vcmedia.org/festival

1ST GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR LEA SALONGA

Lea Salonga, along with her Once on This Island cast received a Grammy nomination (Best Musical Theater Album category) for their cast album. This is the first Grammy nomination for Salonga who was in disbelief. She admitted in a tweet that she had to visit grammy.com to verify the news.

@MSLEASALONGA TWITTER

In the Broadway musical Once on This Island, Salonga plays Erzulie, the goddess of love. The musical follows the story of a peasant girl and a French descended nobleman and the gods that watch over them.  

Joining the Once on This Island cast under the Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album category include albums of The Band’s Visit, Carousel, My Fair Lady and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.

The 61st Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 10th 2019 at the Staples Center.