Italian
Jhett Tolentino’s directorial debut ‘Asian Persuasion’ set for North American release
A fresh face in directing
Three-time Tony Award and Grammy-winning producer Jhett Tolentino is stepping into the director’s chair with his film debut, Asian Persuasion. The romantic comedy, which has secured North American distribution, is slated to make a splash at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM).
Worldwide rights acquisition
The worldwide rights for Asian Persuasion have been acquired by Hawaii-based Scatena & Rosner Films. The film centers around a lovable underachiever who devises an outlandish plan to avoid paying alimony to his fashion-executive ex-wife. This unconventional plot promises to deliver plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.
Release and rights licensing
Scatena & Rosner Films plans to release Asian Persuasion in the North American market in Spring 2025. The company will begin licensing rights for other territories at the AFM in Las Vegas, scheduled for November 5-10. This strategic move positions the film for a global audience, leveraging the AFM’s extensive reach to secure international distribution deals.
Star-studded ensemble cast
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Dante Basco known for his role in “Hook,” KC Concepcion from “Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill,” Kevin Kreider of “Bling Empire” fame, and Paolo Montalban who starred in “Cinderella.” Their collective talent brings the characters to life, adding depth and charm to the narrative.
Production excellence
Produced under the Jhett Tolentino Productions banner, the film boasts a talented team behind the scenes. The screenplay was penned by Mike Ang, while Andrea Walter takes on the role of cinematographer, known for her work on “The Fabulous Filipino Brothers” and “Empty by Design.” Production and costume design are handled by Sheena Alexis of Dedalus Moving Pictures, with a music score composed by Eunike Tanzil, famed for “Be Somebody.” The cast was selected by renowned casting director Bess Fifer.
A deep dive into Tolentino’s expertise
Jhett Tolentino brings a wealth of experience to his directorial debut. Having produced 19 stage productions on and off Broadway, his notable works include “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” starring Sigourney Weaver, and “A Raisin in the Sun,” featuring Denzel Washington. As a music producer, he oversaw the cast album recording of “The Color Purple,” with performances by Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, and Danielle Brooks. His film production repertoire includes “Life Is What You Make It” (2017) and Isabel Sandoval’s “Lingua Franca,” which premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival.
Anticipations from the industry
Zach Stampone, VP of distribution at Scatena & Rosner Films, expressed excitement about sharing Asian Persuasion with global audiences. “The film’s clever, relatable plot, combined with such a talented cast and crew from 21 Asian nations, makes it a standout romantic comedy for 2025 and beyond. Director Tolentino’s ability to tell authentic stories that resonate with viewers has us excited to share this film with a wide audience,” said Stampone.
What’s next for Scatena & Rosner Films
Scatena & Rosner Films is no stranger to the film industry, providing a full range of services, from production and finance to distribution, sales, and product placement. Headed by Gato Scatena and Jordan Rosner, the company has a diverse film sales lineup, including Luke Sparke’s “Fight for Your Life” and Patrick Gilles’ “I’m Charlie Walker.”
Wrapping up
Asian Persuasion promises to be a must-watch, combining humor, heart, and a stellar cast to bring an innovative story to the screen. Jhett Tolentino’s transition from producer to director is highly anticipated, with his multifaceted experience shaping a film that could set new standards in the rom-com genre.
Share this exciting news on your social media and stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the Spring 2025 release!
