Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Yao, Jamie Chung to Star in Rom-Com ‘We Could Be in Love’ (Exclusive)

Love might be in the air with a forthcoming romantic-comedy indie film.

Production has begun on filmmaker Marie Jamora’s We Could Be in Love, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Jasmine Curtis-Smith (The Time That Remains), yao (Sinners), Jamie Chung (Copperhead), Lou Diamond Phillips (Gangland), Tamlyn Tomita (Karate Kid Part II) and Airline Inthyrath (aka RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jujubee) round out the cast for the feature that starts shooting next month on location in New York and Manila, Philippines.

We Could Be in Love centers on Jasmine Aquino (Curtis-Smith), a working-class Filipina American woman who falls for Ambrose Lee (yao), the affluent heir to a Chinese-Filipino dynasty. Their burgeoning relationship leads to challenges involving class divides and deep-seated prejudices.

Jamora, a Filipina director who grew up in Manila, helms the film from a script by Terence Chen (Meet Cute in Manhattan). Producers include Geri Leigh Tiu and Sonca Nguyen for Tiger & Dog Production, alongside Annie Huang. Chen, Thea Jacinto Ugarte and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez are executive producing. Hannah Kittell is the costume designer, while Dino-Ray Ramos serves as cultural consultant.

“I grew up in the Philippines watching all the Hollywood rom-coms with my mom,” says director Jamora, who has helmed episodes of Queen Sugar and Matlock and is attached to the thriller feature Imprint. “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.”

Adds writer and executive producer Chen, “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.”