Hayley Kiyoko is entering an exciting new chapter of her creative career.
The singer, actress, author, and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate stepped onto the red carpet Monday night (June 15) to celebrate the premiere of Girls Like Girls, her feature film directorial debut, at Universal Studios AMC in Universal City, California. Joining her for the special occasion were the film’s stars, Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy, along with a packed crowd of supporters, collaborators, and fellow entertainers.
For Kiyoko, the premiere represented far more than the launch of a new movie. It marked the culmination of a project that has been years in the making and deeply connected to her artistic journey.
Girls Like Girls is based on Kiyoko’s beloved song and groundbreaking music video of the same name, which became a cultural touchstone after its release and helped establish her as an important voice in queer storytelling. The project later expanded into a bestselling novel before ultimately making its way to the big screen.
The film tells a heartfelt coming-of-age story set during a transformative summer. At its center is Coley, a new girl in town who experiences first love while learning to embrace her identity and navigate the challenges of self-acceptance. The story’s themes of authenticity, belonging, and personal growth have resonated with audiences for years, making the adaptation one of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ films of the year.
Da Costa and Molloy lead the cast, bringing fresh energy to the beloved story while introducing the characters to an entirely new audience.
The premiere itself drew an impressive group of attendees from both the entertainment and music worlds. Cast members Alozie LaRose, Sierra Sidwell, Hunter Dillon, Sophia Carriere, and Alexa Mareka joined Kiyoko on the carpet, celebrating the project’s official debut ahead of its theatrical release.
Several contributors to the film’s soundtrack were also in attendance, including Snow Wife and Chelsea Cutler. Their involvement reflects the important role music continues to play within the Girls Like Girls universe, helping connect the film back to the song that started it all.
Also supporting the project were co-writer Stefanie Scott, who memorably starred in the original “Girls Like Girls” music video, and producer Marc Platt, whose extensive résumé includes some of Hollywood’s most successful film and theater productions.
The evening additionally served as a gathering of close friends and supporters. Among those showing their support were Kiyoko’s fiancée Becca Tilley, actress Madison Pettis, Chrishell Stause and G Flip, Lauren Jauregui, Sherry Cola, Marisela Zumbado, Tove Lo, Thora Birch, Isabel Deroy-Olson, and Julia Garcia.
The strong turnout reflected not only excitement surrounding the film itself but also admiration for Kiyoko’s evolution as a storyteller.
Over the past decade, Kiyoko has built a career defined by authenticity and representation. Through her music, writing, and advocacy work, she has consistently created space for LGBTQ+ stories that have often been overlooked in mainstream entertainment. With Girls Like Girls, she expands that mission into feature filmmaking, bringing a deeply personal narrative to a broader audience.
Industry observers have noted a growing demand for inclusive coming-of-age stories, particularly those that center queer experiences without reducing them to stereotypes. Kiyoko’s film arrives at a moment when audiences are increasingly seeking nuanced, emotionally honest storytelling—and the project appears poised to deliver exactly that.
The film also benefits from a cast that balances emerging talent with recognizable names. In addition to its young leads, Girls Like Girls features performances from Zach Braff and Levon Hawke, adding further depth to the ensemble.
As excitement continues to build, fans won’t have to wait long to see the finished product. Girls Like Girls is scheduled to arrive in theaters this Friday, June 19.
For Kiyoko, the release represents a major creative achievement. For audiences, it’s an opportunity to experience a story that has already inspired millions through music and literature, now reimagined on the big screen through the vision of the artist who created it.
And if the energy surrounding the premiere is any indication, Girls Like Girls may be poised to become one of the standout coming-of-age films of the summer.
