The highly anticipated Los Angeles CAA screening of ROSEMEAD took place on November 17, 2025, drawing an intimate yet influential crowd of industry insiders, filmmakers, and artists. The evening became especially memorable with the presence of Lucy Liu—who stars in and also produces the film—and Lawrence Shou, her compelling young co-star. Adding to the occasion’s prestige, Academy Award–winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, Mufasa: The Lion King) delivered a thoughtful and heartfelt introduction, setting the tone for what would become an impactful night of cinema.
A Celebratory Gathering at CAA
Held at Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles, the screening served as one of the film’s key moments leading into its theatrical release. Lucy Liu, radiant and gracious as always, attended alongside Lawrence Shou, marking one of their first major joint appearances since the film began gaining momentum on the festival circuit. Photos captured by Todd Williamson of January Images show the duo warmly engaging with guests, embodying the pride and emotion tied to their work in ROSEMEAD.
Barry Jenkins’ presence also underscored the film’s resonance within the industry. In his introduction, he praised the emotional depth and craft behind the film, recognizing Liu’s transformation and the courage embedded in its storytelling. His support further aligns ROSEMEAD with a lineage of powerful, socially grounded American cinema.
An Award-Winning Festival Journey
Before its Los Angeles screening, ROSEMEAD had already carved a notable path through international film festivals. As an official selection of the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, the film quickly captured attention for both its artistry and its emotional weight. It went on to earn multiple awards across major festivals, affirming its place as one of the standout films of 2025.
Among its achievements, ROSEMEAD received the Prix du Public UBS (Audience Award) at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe’s most influential cinematic events. The film also won the Best Narrative Feature Award at the Bentonville Film Festival, emphasizing its ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Lucy Liu’s performance in particular has been widely celebrated, earning her multiple honors including:
- Artistic Achievement Award at the Philadelphia Film Festival
- Precious Gem Award at the Miami Film Festival
- Réalta (Star) Award at the Belfast Film Festival
- John Cassavetes Award at the Denver Film Festival
- Trailblazer Award from the Critics Choice Association’s AAPI Cinema & Television sector
These accolades mark a career-defining moment for Liu, who brings a raw, emotionally charged portrayal to the screen—one that critics are already calling her most fearless performance to date.
A Story Rooted in Truth
ROSEMEAD is inspired by a widely discussed Los Angeles Times story by journalist Frank Shyong. The narrative follows an ailing mother, played with remarkable nuance by Lucy Liu, who takes drastic actions to protect her troubled teenage son, portrayed by Lawrence Shou. As the boy’s dark obsessions intensify and time begins to slip away, she finds herself confronting impossible decisions that test both her moral boundaries and her maternal instincts.
Set within a Chinese American community, the film explores themes of fear, sacrifice, mental health, and cultural pressure. Director Eric Lin crafts a tense, atmospheric world while writer Marilyn Fu infuses the screenplay with emotional truth and psychological depth. The film’s 97-minute runtime is taut yet immersive, allowing audiences to fully absorb the rising tension without sacrificing character richness.
Behind the Camera: A Strong Creative Team
ROSEMEAD is backed by an accomplished creative team, beginning with producers Mynette Louie, Andrew D. Corkin, and Lucy Liu herself. The executive producer slate includes notable names such as Theo James, Eric Lin, Julia Xu, Chris Argentieri, Frank Shyong, Jamie Lin, and several others—reflecting a collaborative effort to bring this layered story to life.
Cinematographer Lyle Vincent delivers a stunning visual style that heightens the emotional gravity of the narrative, while editor Joseph Krings shapes the film’s momentum with precision. The haunting score by composer Will Bates adds further dimension, often acting as an emotional undercurrent that intensifies the film’s moments of fear, isolation, and hope.
Theatrical Release Details
Following its festival success and the warm reception at the CAA screening, ROSEMEAD is set for a staggered theatrical launch. It will open in New York on December 5, 2025, followed by its Los Angeles release on December 12, 2025. With Oscar buzz already circulating and critics praising the film’s authenticity and bold emotional stakes, the release is expected to draw substantial attention from audiences nationwide.
A Film Bound to Spark Conversation
At its core, ROSEMEAD is more than a film—it is a meditation on the complexities of motherhood, the weight of cultural expectations, and the extremes one may face when survival becomes intertwined with love. The Los Angeles screening at CAA was not just a promotional event, but a testament to how deeply this story resonates with those who experience it.
The powerful performances, expert filmmaking, and real-life inspiration make ROSEMEAD a must-watch event of the year. As it moves toward theatrical audiences, the conversations sparked at its festival screenings—and reaffirmed at its Los Angeles debut—are sure to grow even louder.
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