It follows Rose (Noblezada), a 17-year-old Filipino-American teenager from Texas. She harbours dreams of becoming a country music icon, which are further complicated when her undocumented mother (Princess Punzalan) is arrested by immigration authorities, leaving Rose to fend for herself. Salonga appears as Rose’s aunt. Veteran country singer Dale Watson also makes an appearance.
Noblezada makes her film debut in
Yellow Rose, having previously starred in staged performances of
Miss Saigon and
Hadestown – the latter role earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.
The story was conceptualised over 15 years ago by Paragas, who drew on her experiences as a Filipino growing up in Lubbock, Texas. The film finally took shape after some inspiring words imparted by Indian filmmaker Mira Nair.