Comedy film “Flower Girl,” produced by The IdeaFirst Company, is set to make waves internationally as it has been officially selected as the closing film for the 24th edition of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) this July.
On their official social media pages, The IdeaFirst Company proudly announced the milestone, revealing that the film will not only close the festival but will also have its international premiere in New York, USA.
“𝓕𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵, NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL’S CLOSING FILM! Chosen as the closing film of the film festival known to showcase bold new Asian auteurs, Flower Girl will have its international premiere in New York, USA,” they wrote in a post.
It was also confirmed that director Fatrick Tabada and lead star Sue Ramirez will attend the screening and participate in a Q&A session on July 27 at 8:30 p;.m. EDT, to be held at the SVA Theatre in West 23rd Street, New York.
“Director Fatrick Tabada and Sue Ramirez are set to attend the screening with Q&A on July 27, 8:30 PM EDT at the SVA Theatre in West 23rd. Congratulations, team Flower Girl! NOW SHOWING IN PH CINEMAS! #NasaanSiPoochy #FlowerGirl,” they added.
Sue also took to social media to express her excitement and gratitude for the film’s international recognition.
“GOOD MORNING!!! 🌷🌷🌷 Huge congratulations, team #FlowerGirl! 💐✨ @fatrick_tabada @theideafirstcompany @thecreazionstudios #OctoberTrainFilms. It’s official! FLOWER GIRL will be the closing film at the New York Asian Film Festival this July 27! 🎬💕Grateful and honored for the chance to share this story with the world. 🌸👩🏻✨,” Sue said.
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She also encouraged Filipino fans to support the film in local theaters ahead of its global premiere.
“But before we head to NYC, siyempre dito muna sa atin! FLOWER GIRL is NOW SHOWING!!! Sugod na sa mga sinehan! Dalhin ang buong barkada at sama sama nating hanapin si Poochy!!! #NasaanSiPoochy 🙀🌷,” she added.
In Flower Girl, Sue plays Ena, a woman who mysteriously wakes up without her private part after insulting a transwoman (played by Jervi Wrightson, famously known as KaladKaren). Cursed for her actions, Ena discovers it is missing in the middle of an intimate moment with Martin del Rosario’s character. She’s then given a magical flower and told she must find someone who will love her before all the petals fall off.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Sue Ramirez on Pinoys watching her new film: ‘Definitely they’ll find it crazy!’
The film also stars Jameson Blake, KaladKaren, and Maxie Andreison, and is written and directed by Fatrick Tabada, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Patay na si Hesus.
Meanwhile, the 2025 New York Asian Film Festival will run from July 11 to July 24, with screenings at the SVA Theatre, LOOK Cinemas W57, and the Korean Cultural Center NY.
According to the official press release, this year’s festival boasts its most globally expansive lineup to date, featuring over 75 premieres, including eight world premieres and 17 directorial debuts. Themed “Cinema as Disruption,” the 2025 edition will highlight bold, genre-defying films that challenge conventions and provoke conversations.
Aside from Flower Girl, Filipino films such as The Hearing directed by Lawrence Fajardo, Lilim directed by Mikhail Red and Sunshine directed by Antoinette Jadaone are also part of the international film festival.