'We Could Be in Love' Casts Curtis-Smith, yao, Chung

Production has begun on "We Could Be in Love," a new romantic comedy from director Marie Jamora, The Hollywood Reporter reports. The film starts shooting next month on location in New York and Manila, Philippines.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith ("The Time That Remains") stars as Jasmine Aquino, a working-class Filipina American woman who falls for Ambrose Lee (yao, "Sinners"), the affluent heir to a Chinese-Filipino dynasty. Their relationship faces challenges from class divides and deep-seated prejudices.

Jamie Chung ("Copperhead"), Lou Diamond Phillips ("Gangland"), Tamlyn Tomita ("Karate Kid Part II") and Airline Inthyrath, known as RuPaul's Drag Race alum Jujubee, round out the cast.

Jamora, a Filipina director who grew up in Manila, directs from a script by Terence Chen ("Meet Cute in Manhattan"). Geri Leigh Tiu and Sonca Nguyen produce for Tiger & Dog Production with Annie Huang. Chen, Thea Jacinto Ugarte and Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez executive produce. Hannah Kittell is costume designer; Dino-Ray Ramos is cultural consultant.

Jamora, who has helmed episodes of "Queen Sugar" and "Matlock" and is attached to the thriller "Imprint," said in a statement: "I grew up in the Philippines watching all the Hollywood rom-coms with my mom. 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 added: "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."

• Jamie Chung
• Jasmine Curtis-Smith
• Marie Jamora
• romantic comedy
• We Could Be in Love
• yao