General Admission: $10 | Senior & Student Admission: $5 | MOCA Member Admission: Free

MOCA x NYAFF Film Club is a quarterly program celebrating the brilliance and boldness of Asian and Asian American cinema. This series highlights films of historic and cultural significance under the theme Margin, spotlighting daring films that challenge the norm, rewrite narratives, and push boundaries.

Each session is more than just a movie night—it’s an opportunity to connect, discover, and engage. This year’s screenings are scheduled for May 7, June 11, September 24, and December 10. Following the screening, join us for a moderated conversation to explore the film’s themes, creative impact, and cultural context. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts and continue the dialogue during a casual networking reception afterward.

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of bold cinema and meaningful connections. Let’s watch, chat, and celebrate together!

SEPTEMBER SCREENING

Yellow Rose (2019)

Directed by: Diane Paragas
Runtime: 94 minutes

Yellow Rose is a coming-of-age musical drama that follows Rose Garcia, a Filipina teenager growing up undocumented in a small Texas town. When her mother is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rose is forced to navigate an uncertain future while pursuing her dream of becoming a country music singer. Starring Eva Noblezada in her feature film debut alongside Lea Salonga, the film explores identity, belonging, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream through the unexpected lens of country music.

Premiering at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2019, Yellow Rose received widespread critical acclaim and became one of the first Filipino American films to receive a wide theatrical release from a major Hollywood studio. Balancing intimate storytelling with timely social issues, the film offers a deeply human portrait of the undocumented immigrant experience while celebrating the power of music to provide hope, community, and self-expression.

Starring: Eva Noblezada, Dale Watson, Princess Punzalan, Lea Salonga

Stay after the screening for a conversation between MOCA’s Curator and NYAFF’s Programmer, starting around 8:10 PM. Explore the film’s deeper meanings and behind-the-scenes context before engaging in further discussions with fellow attendees over beverages.

ABOUT New York Asian Film Festival

The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is North America’s premier event showcasing the very best in new Asian cinema. Held annually in July at Film at Lincoln Center and various venues across New York City, NYAFF is celebrated for its bold, diverse, and dynamic programming.

The festival highlights a wide spectrum of films—from emerging voices to masterful auteurs—spanning genres such as cutting-edge blockbusters, independent treasures, and groundbreaking works.

As a vital platform for Asian filmmakers, NYAFF fosters cross-cultural dialogue and champions the innovation, creativity, and richness of Asian storytelling on a global stage.