Two years since bagging his first international acting recognition, Star Magic actor Jake Cuenca was hailed as Best Actor anew for his indie film Mulat at the World Cinema Brazil 2016 on May 22 at Copacabana, Brazil.
Jake claims that he never expected to gain another recognition for the “passion picture” that he did two years ago.
“I felt good. Sinabi ko nga, itong movie na ito it was a passion picture. I didn’t get so much for this. It wasn’t a mainstream movie na parang naging blockbuster. It was a movie I did out of my passion of loving indie movies and, at the same time, it was something I did as support for the film industry in the Philippines,” he said.
Apart from the Best Actor award, the film also took home the Best Narrative award.
Jake says he appreciates the fact that his acting talent is noticed especially on the international scene.
“It feels good kasi when you accept a passion picture and it comes back to you this way, you win an award from different countries. May mga napanalo na akong award dito sa Pilipinas pero of course ‘yung Best Actor ko na panalo twice for this film was for an international film, so it feels good,” he stressed.
The Kapamilya actor first bagged his Best Actor trophy for Mulat at the 2014 International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM).
The Dianne Ventura psychological-thriller centers on the story of “mentally-afflicted” Sam played by Star Magic Angel Loren Burgos who was enamored with her new man Jake, played by Jake, but who happens to be engaged to Vincent played by Ryan Eigenmann.
According to Jake his role on the film was quite refreshing and light, as far his recent intense roles were concerned. Recall that Jake heated the primetime scene as Juan Samonte on the recently concluded top-rating soap Pasion de Amor together with Coleen Garcia, Arci Muñoz, Ejay Falcon and Joseph Marco.
“The role was very simple. It’s very me. It’s more of the storyline that was nice kasi para ngang we had a relationship in a dream. That was the storyline. It wasn’t as challenging as some of the roles that I’ve done in the past,” he shared.
Prior to venturing into international film festivals, the independently funded film actually became part of the Metro Manila Film Festival’s New Wave Category in 2014.
After conquering Brazil, Jake shared that Director Ventura plans to bring their movie to other film festivals in Europe.