Ruben Maria Soriquez (born August 2, 1971) is an Italian film actor, director and producer.[1]

Ruben Maria Soriquez
Born (1971-08-02) August 2, 1971 (age 52)
Occupations
Years active2007–present
SpouseLanie Martin Gumarang
ChildrenFilippo Leonard Soriquez
Kim Soriquez

Early life and education edit

Soriquez was born on August 2, 1971. His father is Filipino and his mother is Italian. He graduated from the University of Bologna with a degree in Human Resources. In 2007, he took a filmmaking course organized by the New York Film Academy in Florence and studied script-writing and editing in New York. He obtained a diploma in acting at Colli Theatre School in 2008.[1]

Career edit

2011-2013: Debut in Italy edit

After making his directorial debut with the documentary Montovolo: History, Nature and Legend [1][2] in 2011, Soriquez directed Sexocracy: The Man of Bunga Bunga [2],[3] a documentary feature film based on an interview with Lele Mora[4] and was released in May 2012. It received a nomination for Best Documentary at the 2012 New York City International Film Festival.[5][6]

In 2013, He directed The Broken Crown,[7] a co-production between Italy, Germany, and the Philippines, which starred Andrea Roncato [3], Tony Sperandeo [4], Horst Janson , Massimo Bonetti [5], Manuela Morabito, and Ron Williams.

2013-2019: Acting and Directing in the Philippines edit

Ruben moved to the Philippines in late 2013, where he founded See Thru Pictures, Inc.,[8] a film production and distribution company. With See Thru Pictures, Soriquez produced the movie Of Sinners and Saints[9] in 2015. Acting alongside him were Raymond Bagatsing, Polo Ravales, Richard Quan, and Althea Vega.[10] For his lead role in the movie, Soriquez won Best Actor in the 2015 World Premieres Film Festival[11][12] He got his first television drama role in Dolce Amore in 2016, playing Roberto Marchesa,[13] the adoptive father of Liza Soberano's character, Serena. In 2017, he appeared in two Star Cinema films: Can't help falling in love starring Daniel Padilla and Kathrine Bernardo and Unexpectedly Yours [6] starring Robin Padilla and Sharon Cuneta. In 2019, Ruben Maria Soriquez returned to the small screen with the action TV series The General's Daughter, playing the role of weapons smuggler David Pascal [7].

2007-2021: as Producer edit

Since 2007, Soriquez has produced several feature films[14] and TV movies [8], (like the horror films: Arachnicide and Dead Gamers[15] both directed by Italian director Paolo Bertola). He is one of the few contemporary filmmakers to produce and direct silent films (A Perfect Family [9] and The Silent Killer [10] the latter scored by Italian composer Franco Eco [16]) to be premiered at the International Silent Film Festival Manila.[16] On May 7, TubiTV released his controversial documentary film Pandemiocracy [17]

Debut in the International TV scene edit

In 2018, Soriquez joined the cast of the TV series General Commander, starring Steven Seagal, with the role of the mafioso Santino Amato. In the following year, four films in which he stars (Of Sinners and Saints, The Spiders' Man [11], The Lease and Entrapped) were released in the US.[18]

Representing Italy through Films edit

Ruben Maria Soriquez is at present (2015-2018) a Board Member of the ICCPI Italian Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines Inc.,[12] promoting the Culture of Italy in South East Asia especially in The Philippines.[19] In 2017, with the ICCPI, the Dante Alighieri Society of Manila and the Embassy of Italy in Manila, he founded The Venice Film Festival in Manila, an Italian Film Festival that screened in Manila a selection of Italian Films of the Venice Film Festival 2016.[20] The festival changed its name to "Italian Cinema: from Venice to Manila" for the 2018 edition where Italian films from the Venice Film Festival 2017 were screened.[13][21] In 2016 his film Of Sinners and Saints represented Italy together with the film My Friends (film) of Mario Monicelli at the 19th Cine Europa in Manila.[22] In 2017 his contemporary Silent film A Perfect Family [14] represented Italy[23] at the 11th International Silent Film Festival Manila [15][24] and his 2020 silent film The Silent Killer [16] was one of the two Italian entries to the 14th International Silent Film Festival Manila [17]

EPIFF European Philippine International Film Festival edit

Ruben Maria Soriquez founded the European Philippine International Film Festival EPIFF in 2017[25][26][27] with Maurizio Baldini e Lorenzo Galanti. The first two editions of EPIFF took place in Florence, Italy in March 2018 [18] and May 2019, while the 2020 and 2021 editions took place online [19] due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 4th edition (2021) [28] has been partnered by See Thru Pictures, Film Philippines Incentives, FDCP, NCCA, Sentro Rizal. Among the films showcased was Milan (2004 film) produced by Philippines' largest network ABSCBN.

Personal life edit

In 2013, Soriquez settled in the Philippines with his wife, Lanie Martin Gumarang, and their children.

Filmography edit

Films edit

Year Title Role Studio Notes Ref.
2011 Sexocracy: The man of Bunga Bunga narrator as Director, Associate Producer and Film Editor
2013 The Broken Crown as Director, Writer, Executive Producer, Film Editor,
Cinematographer, and Camera Operator
2015 Of Sinners and Saints Father Leonardo See Thru Pictures as Actor, Director, Writer, Executive Producer and Film Editor [1]
2017 Can't Help Falling in Love[29] Cristofano Star Cinema as Actor [30]
2017 A Perfect Family Father See Thru Pictures as Actor, Director [20]
2017 Unexpectedly Yours[31] Ricardo Alvarez Star Cinema as Actor
2018 The Lease Romano Gonzales Utmost Creative as Actor [21]
2018 The Spiders' Man Alberto Medina See Thru Pictures as Actor, Director [22]
2019 Entrapped: a day of terror [23] Nar See Thru Pictures as Actor, Co_Producer [24]
2020 The Silent Killer [25] Father Ruben See Thru Pictures, iWatchMore Originals as Actor, Director, Producer [26]
2021 Pandemiocracy[32] Father Leomark Studios as Actor, Director, Producer

Television edit

Year Title Role Network Notes Ref.
2015 Kano Luvs Pinay Italian husband TV5 cameo, episode 1
2016 Dolce Amore Roberto Marchesa ABS-CBN adoptive father of Serena Marchesa [33]
2017 Tadhana: Millionaire Maid Antonio De Luca GMA Network [34]
2018 General Commander Santino Amato Saradan Media episode 1 and 2 [27]
2019 The General's Daughter David Pascal ABS-CBN
2021 Pandemiocracy[35] Director, producer TubiTv [28]
2023 The Iron Heart Marcus Kapamilya Channel A2Z leader of Altare High Table

Accolades edit

Year Award-giving Body Category Notable Works Result Ref.
2015 World Premieres Film Festival, PH Best Performance by an Actor (Filipino New Cinema Award) Of Sinners and Saints Won [1][36]
World Film Awards, INDONESIA Achievement in Specific Category (Actor) Won [36][37]
Accolade Competition, US [29] Leading Actor Won [36]
2015 Terra di Siena Film Festival, ITA Best Film Nominated
2016 International Independent Film Awards, US Best Actor in a Leading Role (Joint winner with Emerson Smith) Won [36]
2016 Honolulu Film Awards, US Best Film Of Sinners and Saints Won [38]
2017 Indian World Film Festival, INDIA Best Actor Of Sinners and Saints Won [39]
2017 Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards [30] Best Actor Of Sinners and Saints Won [31]
2017 Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards [32] Best Feature Of Sinners and Saints Won [33]
2019 Olympus Film Festival, US [34] Best Dark Comedy Feature The Spiders' Man [35] Won [36]
2019 Olympus Film Festival, US [37] Best Ensemble Cast The Spiders' Man Won [38]
2019 Madrid International Film Festival, ES [39] Best Editing in a Foreign Language Film The Spiders' Man Nominated [40]
2019 International Independent Film Awards, US [41] Directing The Spiders' Man Won [42]
2019 International Independent Film Awards, US [43] Best Narrative Feature The Spiders' Man Won [44]
2020 Asia Pacific International Filmmaker Festival & Awards Best Director The Spiders' Man Won [45]
2020 Accolade Competition, US [46] [47] [40][41] Best Supporting Actor The Spiders' Man [42] Won [48]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Italian filmmaker Ruben Soriquez Archived 2016-04-23 at the Wayback Machine. Inquirer. Retrieved 2016-03-26.
  2. ^ Passigato, Milena (August 1, 2009). "Montovolo tra storia natura e leggenda". Mondo Libero (Italy).
  3. ^ "Sexocracy". MYmovies. Archived from the original on 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
  4. ^ "Sexocracy". FilmUP. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
  5. ^ "New York City" International Film festival Archived 2016-04-06 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ^ "Awards". IMDB. Archived from the original on 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2015-10-31.
  7. ^ "The Broken Crown - La Corona Spezzata". MyMovies. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2015-10-31.
  8. ^ "See Thru Pictures". Seetrhupictures. Archived from the original on 2016-01-12. Retrieved 2015-10-31.
  9. ^ "Of Sinners and Saints". IMDB. Archived from the original on 2022-08-05. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  10. ^ Tan, Rowena (June 25, 2015). "Fil-Italian Director impressed with Pinoy actors". The Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  11. ^ "Awards". IMDB. Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2018-05-24.
  12. ^ Dicasio, Nonie (July 1, 2015). "ruben-soriquez-waging-best-actor-para-sa-of-sinners-and-saints". Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  13. ^ Penilla, Doreen (January 4, 2018). "Italian actor-director shares how 'Dolce Amore' helped his career". Star Cinema ABS CBN. Archived from the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  14. ^ "Ruben Maria Soriquez". IMDb. Archived from the original on 2017-02-15. Retrieved 2017-07-02.
  15. ^ "Dead Gamers". IMDB. Archived from the original on 2022-08-05. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  16. ^ a b San Juan, Ratziel (December 4, 2020). "International Silent Film Festival makes noise online". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  17. ^ Nicasio, Nonie (May 23, 2021). "Ruben Soriquez's Pandemiocracy released in US and Europe, coming soon to PH". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  18. ^ Bernardino, Stephanie Marie (May 22, 2019). "Ruben Maria Soriquez star in 3 films for release in US, Canada". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  19. ^ Iglesias, Iza (January 15, 2018). "Ruben Maria Soriquez opens Italian Cinema for Sharon Cuneta". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  20. ^ Constantino, Ronald (March 3, 2018). "Filipino Films showing in Italy". Tempo. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  21. ^ Cruz, Marinel (October 28, 2018). "9 acclaimed films to be shown in Italian film festival in Manila". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  22. ^ Javier, Kristian (September 8, 2016). "19th Cine Europa opens today at Shangri-La". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  23. ^ Pamaran, Maan d'Asis (August 14, 2017). "The 11th Silent Film festival is not just for Cinema snobs". Esquire Magazine. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  24. ^ Tantiangco, Aya (August 8, 2017). "There's room for first in the 11th International Silent Film festival". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  25. ^ Iglesias, Iza (January 15, 2018). "Ruben Maria Soriquez opens Italian cinema for Sharon Cuneta". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  26. ^ Bukas, Leo (March 2, 2018). "Italian actor-director Ruben Soriquez to hold first ever European Philippine International Film Festival in Italy". AbsCbn Push. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  27. ^ Mulingtapang, Mye (February 12, 2018). "Spotlight on PH cinema in new Florence film festival". ABSCBN News. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  28. ^ Nicasio, Nonie (May 25, 2021). "Ruben Soriquez, proud of his 4th EPIFF festival". Malaya. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  29. ^ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6725484/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Archived 2017-08-31 at the Wayback Machine[user-generated source]
  30. ^ Can't Help Falling in Love (film)
  31. ^ "Unexpectedly Yours". IMDB. Archived from the original on 2022-08-05. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  32. ^ Nicasio, Nonie (May 23, 2021). "Ruben Soriquez's 'Pandemiocracy' released in US and Europe, coming soon to PH". Manila Bulletin Entertainment . Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  33. ^ "Impressively brisk debut telecast for 'Dolce Amore'". Inquirer. 23 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2016-03-26.
  34. ^ "Tadhana" Millionaire Maid (TV Episode 2017), archived from the original on 2022-08-05, retrieved 2017-07-02
  35. ^ Nicasio, Nonie (May 26, 2021). "Pandemic-inspired family docu coming soon in the Philippines". Manila Standard . Archived from the original on May 27, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  36. ^ a b c d Ruben Soriquez Awards and Nominations Archived 2022-08-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2016-03-26.
  37. ^ World Film Awards 2015 Archived 2016-03-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2016-03-26.
  38. ^ "Ruben Maria Soriquez Awards". IMDB. Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2018-05-24.
  39. ^ "Winners". Miniboxoffice. Archived from the original on 2022-08-05. Retrieved 2017-07-02.
  40. ^ "Fil-Italian actor-director wins big at US fest". Manila Standard Today. July 15, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  41. ^ "Fil-Italian actor-director wins big at US fest". Manila Standard. July 15, 2020. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  42. ^ Kabristante, George Vail (June 27, 2020). "PH talents continue to win int'l awards". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020.

External links edit