In a monumental stride for Philippine cinema, “A Very Good Girl” became the first Filipino film to grace a Hollywood premiere. This landmark event resonated deeply with the Filipino and Asian-American communities, as celebrities and industry icons flocked to the U.S. premiere. But what truly set the evening apart were the emotional words shared by the film’s leading ladies—Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon.
The Hollywood premiere took place on October 4, 2023, at The Silver Screen, Pacific Design Theater in Los Angeles, California. A day after, Kathryn and Dolly engaged with the Fil-Am Creatives community at The Deco Building in Hancock Park, LA.
Eager to show their support for this game-changing moment in Philippine cinema, Filipino-American celebrities like Bretman Rock, Manila Luzon from “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” Ginger Gonzaga of “She Hulk: Attorney at Law,” and Sam Morelos from “That 70’s Show” were spotted in the crowd.
Emotion Runs High
“Thank you so much for coming here tonight. I am really nervous and overwhelmed. We are so proud of this film. This is our baby. Our hearts are just overflowing with gratitude to bring a slice of Philippine cinema here in the U.S.,” expressed Kathryn Bernardo, the Outstanding Asian Star awardee of the 2023 Seoul Drama Awards.
Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon added, “We really feel the love. I see so many familiar faces and so many new faces. Thank you so much for coming, and we hope you enjoy ‘A Very Good Girl.'”
Beyond the Spotlight
It wasn’t just a momentous occasion for the actors but also for the entire Filipino film industry. “This is a very historic moment for ABS-CBN, not just for our company, but for Philippine cinema in general. I feel like we have waited for so many years for Filipino stories to get told in the U.S. market, and we’re finally doing it,” noted ABS-CBN Films head Kriz Gazmen about the dark comedy film directed by Petersen Vargas.
A Peek into the Actors’ Minds
At the FilAm Creatives Educational Panel, Kathryn shared her firsthand experience of her U.S. screening debut. “I am pretty overwhelmed sa lahat nang nangyayari. Ramdam na ramdam mo ‘yung suporta ng Filipino community dito so salamat po,” she said.
Dolly, equally excited and moved, shared her reaction when she first read the script. “My mind was blown talaga when I first read it. Ang snappy ng mga lines and quick-witted lalo na ‘yung character ni Kathryn, so it was exciting to do.”
"A Very Good Girl" has gained the support of the FilAm community after its Hollywood premiere. The film by @StarCinema starring @DollyEdeLeon and @bernardokath met Filipino and Asian celebrities and the @FilAmCreative community. The full story is up next on #GoodNewsPilipinas https://t.co/vweRvbQk7C
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) October 10, 2023
A Ripple Effect
Back in the Philippines, “A Very Good Girl” is already causing waves. Since its premiere on September 30, the film has raked in over P75 million. As of October 6, U.S. theatrical screenings have commenced, extending its reach to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Guam and Saipan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Nigeria, and the Middle East.
WATCH Petersen Vargas’ Director’s Cut Trailer for A Very Good Girl here:
If you haven’t already caught this history-making film, now’s your chance. And if you’ve already been part of this groundbreaking event, why not share your experience? Spread the word and make this story resonate even louder by sharing this article.
Don’t miss out on experiencing this touchstone in Filipino cinema. See it, feel it, and be part of history.
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