The recent Best Actor triumph of Kapamilya actor Enzo Pineda at the 2025 Emirates Film Festival opened the eyes of local movie fans and critics to a new level of world-class Filipino artistry.

The winning short film, As The Call, So The Echo, was virtually unheard of and flew over everyone’s radar until it garnered acclaim not just for Enzo, but also for its director, Rusty Palacio Guarin, who bagged the Best Director award. It also got nominated for Best Film and Best Child Actor.

Aside from its harvest of accolades, As The Call… also opened doors and generated significant buzz for Aquino Plotado, who now earns his official anointment as one of the local film industry’s respected and critically acclaimed movie producers.

The Dubai-based Pinoy multi-millionaire, whose inspiring rags-to-riches life story could very well be adapted to a tear-jerking Maala-ala Mo Kaya or Magpakailanman feature, seems to be the classic epitome of a purposeful life defined by clarity of vision and hard work.

From his humble beginnings as a Jollibee service crew, Plotado soon moved to Dubai, where he worked his way up in the hotel industry, and soon made his fortune in the bustling real estate market.

The new year marked a major turning point in his newfound career as movie producer when he represented the country at the 11th edition of the Emirates Film Festival and received the two awards on behalf of his lead star and director.

“Honestly, it still feels surreal. Walking up on stage that night was a whirlwind of emotions such as pride, excitement, and a bit of disbelief,” he confessed.

“It’s also a reminder of why I started this journey and to tell stories that resonate, connect, and make a real impact. This experience has inspired me to continue creating films that can move audiences and hopefully compete on bigger stages, like Cairo, Cannes, New York, and even the Oscars.”

It’s been barely a year since the inception of Aquino Plotado Film International, his movie production outfit, but the early accolades seem to spell the tell-tale signs of a lucky streak. Or was it just a classic case of beginner’s luck?

Humbly recalling his company’s roots, he narrates, “I established my company in June 2024, right after graduating from Ms. Suzette Doctolero’s Online Scriptwriting workshop.”

“Direk Rusty and I actually became classmates in Ms. Suzette Doctolero’s Scriptwriting Workshop, which was a game-changer for both of us. This is also my first time producing a film, so I was stepping into uncharted territory, but having someone like Direk Rusty onboard made all the difference. Ms. Doctolero’s insights into the craft of writing were truly transformative, and it gave me the clarity and inspiration to start my own company.”

As a first-time film producer, Plotado may have taken a big gamble by choosing to pitch the movie globally prior to showing it in the Philippines. What was his rationale for this?

He says, “My rationale for pitching the film globally first is largely driven by the nature of the story and the goal of reaching a broader, more diverse audience. The film explores universal themes whether it's about human relationships, societal issues, or emotional journeys that transcend cultural and geographic boundaries. By presenting it on the global stage first, I want to see how it resonates with international audiences, who may have a fresh perspective on the material.”

Aside from the strength of his material, Plotado also considers Enzo’s participation in the movie as one of their game-changers, so much so that he has already considered the hunky actor for his future projects.

“Working with Enzo and Director Rusty again for our next projects is something I’m genuinely excited about, especially given the success of our first film, As The Call, So The Echo. Enzo is not just a talented actor, he’s someone who deeply believes in the vision of the film, and that’s why I see him as a key part of our journey moving forward,” he proudly shares.

As The Call… may also be considered a bold and courageous exposé regarding the alarming incidence of human organ trafficking. What inspired Plotado and his team to tackle such a theme?

He says, “I look for narratives that are not only relevant to the present moment but also have a timeless quality. Whether it’s about societal issues, human rights, or personal struggles, the film should tackle themes that have a real-world impact. I believe that cinema has the power to initiate conversation, raise awareness, and even spark change, so I’m drawn to stories that address important, timely issues in an honest and thought-provoking way.”

As a long-time movie fan, Plotado admits to being influenced by the vast roster of Pinoy movie classics that defined his formative years, and which eventually became the backbone of his artistic vision.

He recalls, “Growing up, I was deeply influenced by a number of Filipino films that not only entertained me but also left a lasting emotional impact. Movies starring icons like Ms. Nora Aunor, Ms. Vilma Santos, Ms. Sharon Cuneta, Ms. Maricel Soriano, John Lloyd, and Jericho Rosales shaped my understanding of storytelling. Watching their performances and seeing how these films tackled themes like identity, history, and personal struggles made me realize how powerful film can be as a medium for conveying emotions and messages.”

Ever the optimist, Plotado sees a bright future ahead for Philippine cinema, perhaps being at par or even surpassing the creativity of emerging markets such as South Korea.

He affirms, “There’s no question that the Philippines has an enormous pool of talent, and many Filipino films already stand out in terms of their emotional depth and visual style. What we need is continued investment in film education, more international collaborations, and better access to global film markets.”