Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Yao and Jamie Chung will lead the cast of We Could Be in Love, a romantic-comedy indie now in production from director Marie Jamora, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. The film also stars Lou Diamond Phillips, Tamlyn Tomita and Airline Inthyrath, known to RuPaul’s Drag Race fans as Jujubee.
The feature starts shooting next month on location in New York and Manila, Philippines, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The story
The film follows Jasmine Aquino, played by Curtis-Smith, a working-class Filipina American woman drawn into a romance with Ambrose Lee, portrayed by Yao, the privileged heir to a Chinese-Filipino dynasty. Their relationship collides with class divides and long-held prejudices as it deepens.
Curtis-Smith is known for The Time That Remains, Yao recently appeared in Sinners, and Chung’s credits include Copperhead. Phillips starred in Gangland, and Tomita is recognized for Karate Kid Part II, according to the outlet.
Who’s behind the camera
Jamora, who grew up in Manila and has directed episodes of Queen Sugar and Matlock, helms the feature from a script by Terence Chen, who previously wrote Meet Cute in Manhattan. Chen also serves as an executive producer alongside Thea Jacinto Ugarte and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez.
Geri Leigh Tiu and Sonca Nguyen are producing for Tiger & Dog Production, along with Annie Huang. Hannah Kittell is the costume designer, and Dino-Ray Ramos is serving as cultural consultant, THR reported.
“I grew up in the Philippines watching all the Hollywood rom-coms with my mom,” Jamora told The Hollywood Reporter. “Now that I have the opportunity to direct an Asian-led romantic comedy outside the traditional American studio system, it’s so exciting to lean into the cultural nuance, authenticity and heart that global audiences are craving. Jasmine and yao bring a special combination of warmth, depth and chemistry to their characters. I cannot wait to share our film with the world.”
Chen echoed that sentiment, telling the trade: “At its core, We Could Be In Love is a classic, swoon-worthy romance that doesn’t shy away from the real cultural and economic friction points within our communities. We are thrilled to be filming in New York and Manila and capturing the vibrant, modern backdrop of these cities.”
What’s next
Filming is set to begin next month across New York and Manila. No release date, distributor or premiere window has been announced yet. Jamora is also attached to the thriller feature Imprint, according to THR.
Reporting from The Hollywood Reporter contributed to this story.
