MANILA, Philippines - The trailer of ‘Citizen Jake’, the highly anticipated comeback film of filmmaker Mike de Leon topbilled by real-life journalist Atom Araullo, is making the rounds on social media shortly after it was released.
Araullo’s debut film, which was described by de Leon as an “investigative crime story with political overtones” would tackle “the world of citizen journalists, social media and politics.”
Despite his zero interest in joining the local showbusiness, Araullo, who is not a professional actor, took the leap of faith to play the role of a reel-life reporter in the said film.
READ: Why Atom Araullo finally agreed to star in a film
“I just couldn’t say no to Mike de Leon. I am taking this leap of faith because I believe in his ability to produce films of exceptional quality that are always imbued with social relevance,” Araullo said in an earlier interview.
Aside from his belief in de Leon, Araullo thinks fictional films can also play a big role in shedding light on important issues of the country.
“As journalists, our job is to shine the light on important issues in the hope of inspiring people to act. But sometimes, fiction actually does a better job at this, especially in the so-called post-truth era. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and we have to be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past,” Araullo explained.
The director behind hard-hitting films such as “Kisapmata”, “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising”, “Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit”, “Batch 81” and “Bayaning Third World” said working with a non-actor is an “unfamiliar territory” yet he believes he’s got an interesting subject to play the titular role.
“Atom is a very intelligent person, with a deep social conscience—and he writes very well,” De Leon said.
The film also stars award-winning actors like Cherie Gil, Dina Bonnevie, Nonie Buencamino, Gabby Eigenmann, Luis Alandy, Alan Paule, Max Collins and Victor Neri.
Watch the trailer (video courtesy of Citizen Jake on Facebook page):
-- Mini, The Summit Express
Araullo’s debut film, which was described by de Leon as an “investigative crime story with political overtones” would tackle “the world of citizen journalists, social media and politics.”
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Citizen Jake |
READ: Why Atom Araullo finally agreed to star in a film
“I just couldn’t say no to Mike de Leon. I am taking this leap of faith because I believe in his ability to produce films of exceptional quality that are always imbued with social relevance,” Araullo said in an earlier interview.
Aside from his belief in de Leon, Araullo thinks fictional films can also play a big role in shedding light on important issues of the country.
“As journalists, our job is to shine the light on important issues in the hope of inspiring people to act. But sometimes, fiction actually does a better job at this, especially in the so-called post-truth era. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and we have to be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past,” Araullo explained.
The director behind hard-hitting films such as “Kisapmata”, “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising”, “Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit”, “Batch 81” and “Bayaning Third World” said working with a non-actor is an “unfamiliar territory” yet he believes he’s got an interesting subject to play the titular role.
“Atom is a very intelligent person, with a deep social conscience—and he writes very well,” De Leon said.
The film also stars award-winning actors like Cherie Gil, Dina Bonnevie, Nonie Buencamino, Gabby Eigenmann, Luis Alandy, Alan Paule, Max Collins and Victor Neri.
Watch the trailer (video courtesy of Citizen Jake on Facebook page):
-- Mini, The Summit Express
