IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
In a celebration of global storytelling and cross-cultural cinema, the Tiger Tail Asian Film Festival opened its doors on March 14 with the East Coast premiere of Love & Karma — a romantic drama inspired by true events and based on the award-winning book Butterfly by Celeste Friedman.
The film, which previously earned the award for Best First Time Sound & Music, continues to gain international momentum following its world premiere at the Asian World Film Festival in November 2025. Its selection as the opening film of the Tiger Tail Asian Film Festival marks a historic milestone for Filipino representation in independent cinema.
Starring Jojo Riguerra and Belinda Panelo, Love & Karma became the first feature-length film produced, directed, written, and led by artists of Filipino descent to both debut at and open the festival — a moment that reflects the growing global visibility and influence of Filipino creatives in international filmmaking.
At the center of the project is filmmaker and executive producer Celeste Friedman, whose work blends storytelling, fashion, music, and themes of personal transformation. Just last month, Friedman was honored at the Global Impact Summit & Awards, where she received recognition for Creative Entrepreneurship and Transformational Leadership for her efforts in using art and narrative to inspire connection, healing, and possibility.
Spanning multiple countries and cultures, Love & Karma explores universal themes of love, destiny, forgiveness, and personal awakening. The film’s multi-racial cast includes special appearances by Eric Roberts, Joanna Pacula, Bai Ling, and Bong Cabrera, further reflecting the project’s international scope and appeal.
Set against visually rich international backdrops, the film weaves together Western, Filipino, and Southeast Asian influences into a cinematic tapestry that resonates across borders. More than a romance, Love & Karma stands as a testament to the power of multicultural storytelling — and to the growing presence of Filipino voices on the global stage.