The immigration drama YELLOW ROSE directed by Diane Paragas will open the 42nd Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF42), presented by Asian CineVision, on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Asia Society in New York City.

YELLOW ROSE is the deeply personal narrative feature debut from Filipina American writer and director Diane Paragas. Rose, played by Tony Award Nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon), an undocumented Filipino girl, dreams of one day leaving her small Texas town to pursue her country music dreams. Her world is shattered when her mom (Princess Punzalan) is suddenly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rose, facing this new realty, is forced to flee the scene, leaving behind the only life she knows, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she searches for a new home in the honky-tonk world of Austin, Texas. Also featured in the film are Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga and country music star Dale Watson. Set to a poignant soundtrack featuring original songs by Paragas, Noblezada, Watson and the cast, this coming-of-age story brings forth the power of music and art to provide strength in the face of the harsh plight confronting countless immigrant families across the country.

“This film is about home – the home you build for yourself and the people you welcome into it,” says Paragas. “Yellow Rose is a story for everyone trying to find their place in this world and we’re honored to share it at New York City at AAIFF.”