The long wait is over. CITIZEN JAKE will finally be screening in Philippine cinemas nationwide beginning May 23, 2018. This was confirmed by director Mike de Leon himself after several meetings with Solar Pictures in the past few weeks.
On the Facebook page of CITIZEN JAKE, director Mike appeals to the public for support: “My film may be fiction, but it is based on truths we ignore at our own risk. It should be seen by its audience in its original version, without cuts and without compromise. The film is not perfect, far from it, but it is a good honest film that is seeking an audience that I am convinced is out there. May you allow me to ask for your support?”
Coincidentally, BAYANING THIRD WORLD, the last film directed by Mike was also distributed theatrically by Solar 18 years ago. “We are so excited to be working again with veteran director Mike de Leon,” says Mr. Wilson Tieng, President and CEO of Solar Entertainment. “The unconventional storytelling of CITIZEN JAKE is something we would like to offer the audience. The story is also relevant today and we hope this will drive moviegoers to watch this starting May 23.”
CITIZEN JAKE is the story of Jake Herrera, journalist and estranged son of a powerful Philippine senator. More than anything, he wants to prove he is not like his father. This has been the motivation for most of his adult life’s decisions, from career choice to his attempt to build a life for himself far away, in Baguio. But circumstances force him to try to solve the brutal murder of a young, female student from the university he teaches in. The investigation brings him on a path to encounter corruption and to finally face his own demons.
Featuring real life journalist Atom Araullo, playing the titular hero, he is joined by a stellar ensemble that includes Cherie Gil, Dina Bonnevie, Nonie Buencamino, Luis Alandy, Gabby Eigenmann, Max Collins, Teroy Guzman, Lou Veloso, Richard Quan, with Victor Neri, Allan Paule, Anna Luna, Elora Españo, Cholo Barretto, Raquel Villavicencio, Nanding Josef, and Ruby Ruiz. The screenplay is written by Mike de Leon, Atom Araullo, and Noel Pascual.
Rated R13 without cuts by the MTRCB, catch CITIZEN JAKE in major cinemas nationwide on May 23, exclusively distributed by Solar Pictures.