Elijah Canlas wins best actor award at 17th Asian Film Festival in Rome

“Kalel, 15” and “Gameboys” star Elijah Canlas took home the best actor award at the recently concluded 17th Asian Film Festival in Rome.

“Congratulations Elijah Canlas for winning the best actor award at the 17th Asian Film Festival in Rome, Italy for Jun Robles Lana’s Kalel, 15! You make The IdeaFirst Company family and the #GameboysTheSeries global community very proud!” The IdeaFirst Company shared on its social media accounts on Thursday.

Elijah won for his performance on “Kalel, 15,” a film produced by The IdeaFirst Company that dealt with the themes of youth, sex, HIV, religion, and morality, among other issues.

The actor is also one of the lead stars of “Gameboys,” a boys’ love (BL) web series also produced by The IdeaFirst Company.

Jun Robles Lana, director of “Kalel, 15” and chief creative officer of The IdeaFirst Company, praised Elijah for his acting skills.

The great thing about Elijah is that he’s a chameleon. When he takes on a role, he becomes the character, and you can’t imagine it being played by anyone else. He’s a gifted storyteller and he really works so hard at it. Congraaats, @elijahcanlas_!!! https://t.co/QtpWT0xUg6

— Jun Robles Lana (@junrobleslana) August 6, 2020

“The great thing about Elijah is that he’s a chameleon. When he takes on a role, he becomes the character, and you can’t imagine it being played by anyone else. He’s a gifted storyteller and he really works so hard at it. Congraaats, @elijahcanlas_!!!” the director shared on his Twitter account.

Elijah thanked the director and the people behind the film.

This means the world to me. Thanks, direk! For trusting me and squeezing the best out of me. I promise to always work hard. Just like what tito Eddie told me. No doubt. Congrats din po!

... Talk to you guys later... currently in my feelings ???? https://t.co/YVdcdnV1cC

— Elijah (@elijahcanlas_) August 6, 2020

“This means the world to me. Thanks, direk! For trusting me and squeezing the best out of me. I promise to always work hard,” said the actor.

According to its Facebook description, which has been translated to English, the Asian Film Festival “presents a selection of the best of Asian research and independent cinema, with great attention to the beginnings and young directors of the rich Newcomers section.” – RC, GMA News