Titled Ripe!, the film has released first look images and videos of Lola Tung
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM (@RIPE__XOXO)
First, we had Heated Rivalry. Next was the news that Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute was getting a screen adaptation. Now, sapphic sports fans are ready to implode with the news that Kelley O’Hara is producing a new queer sports film, titled Ripe!, starring Lola Tung.
The news follows a very sweaty teaser video posted to the film’s official Instagram account, showing Lola in a soccer kit panting at the camera. Her gaze is broken when a mysterious stranger knocks into her playfully.
You’ll likely remember American former professional soccer player Kelley O’Hara for that viral kiss celebrating the USWNT’s 2019 World Cup victory. She ran to the stands to kiss her girlfriend in an act which broke down barriers for LGBTQIA+ athletes. In 2024, she produced a short film, also called Ripe!, which starred Raina Landolfi and Rita Roca. The film’s tagline? “Nothing says ‘it’s complicated’ like breaking your crush’s arm.” Iconic.
The original short film is set on the Catalonian coast, following an American exchange student called Sophie who joins local Gloria for a friendly game of football. Rivals-to-lovers in nature, romance is a little more complicated when someone has to go and break their arm. The short won the Best Narrative Short Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Speaking to Autostraddle about the original short film, Kelley said: “Throughout my football career I was known for being intense on the pitch […] I think that’s why kissing my girlfriend, now fiancée, at the World Cup in 2019 was such a shock to people. I broke character from Kelley the soccer player to Kelley the partner, just wanting to share the special moment with the person I love. In 2019, that was my happy ending, and we don’t get to see that enough. So I’m thrilled to be sharing a story, and a happy ending, with the world through Ripe!”
Fans were ecstatic to see The Summer I Turned Pretty star Lola Tung in the teaser for the feature-length film. “THE SUMMER I TURNED GAY,” one user commented on the Instagram teaser. Earlier this year, Lola sent queer fans into a frenzy by starring in the campy new horror Forbidden Fruits.
While we don’t know much more about Ripe!, what we do know is that sapphics are so ready for it.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
