Fatrick Tabada’s “Flower Girl,” a darkly comedic gender-bending tale starring Sue Ramirez, has been selected as the Closing Film of the 24th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). The film will make its international premiere on July 27, with both Tabada and Ramirez set to attend the screening and post-show Q&A at the SVA Theater in Manhattan.
“Flower Girl” follows the story of a woman who, after offending a trans-fairy, is cursed to lose her vagina. Described by critics as a “fearless Filipino comedy … redefining gender and identity,” the film tackles trans discrimination through a sharp, satirical lens.
“The story was inspired by the discrimination that transwomen often face,” said Tabada, who also wrote the screenplay. “But it’s also about finding humanity and humor in difficult truths.”
The film recently opened in Philippine cinemas to strong buzz, and its inclusion as the NYAFF 2025 closing night feature highlights its growing impact. Festival organizers praised the film’s originality, calling it “a bold new voice in Philippine cinema.”
With a breakout performance from Ramirez and a narrative that deftly sidesteps cliché, “Flower Girl” continues the tradition of NYAFF’s closing films spotlighting daring new auteurs from Asia.
“Flower Girl” is produced by CreaZion Studios, The IdeaFirst Company and Octobertrain Films.
