Cuba Gooding Jr. Stars in New Manila-Brazil Thriller

An international action thriller titled "Lotus" is gearing up for production, with filming scheduled in Manila and Brazil. The project boasts a star-studded cast, including Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr., alongside Luke Ford, Keith Duffy, and multimedia artist Qymira. This film represents the inaugural production under a multi-year, five-film slate agreement between Hong Kong's ACT3 and Philippine production company Blackops Studios Asia.

Filipino filmmaker Pedring Lopez is directing "Lotus," which he co-wrote with Rex Lopez. The movie aims to deliver a raw, dangerous, and global cinematic experience, drawing inspiration from the energy of Southeast Asia and Latin America. Gooding Jr. expressed his excitement about filming in the Philippines, noting the project's immediate appeal. The production is set to begin principal photography in September and run through October.

"Lotus" is intended for a global audience, with its narrative uniquely connecting Manila and Brazil. The film's ambitious scope was highlighted by Qymira, who noted the visceral way these two locations are brought together. The production team has assembled an international crew and stunt team, with Noel Teehankee serving as cinematographer. "Lotus" is the first of five planned productions under the ACT3-Blackops Studios Asia collaboration.