Filipino producer Paul Soriano's Hollywood film ‘Diamond’ premieres at Cannes

Filipino director and producer Paul Soriano marked a major milestone in his career with his first Hollywood production credit as “Diamond” premiered at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 19.

The noir film had its world premiere on Tuesday at the festival’s main venue, the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière at the Palais des Festivals. Soriano, 44, walked the iconic Cannes red carpet alongside actor-director Andy Garcia and members of the cast.

The film centers on Joe Diamond, played by Garcia, a man haunted by a traumatic past. His sharp observational skills and uncanny instincts allow him to solve crimes that have left the LAPD baffled. It was written and directed by Garcia himself.

In development for nearly 15 years, the project is described as a love letter to Los Angeles and an homage to classic film noir, as reported by Deadline, with filming at iconic L.A. locations including the Bradbury Building and the Paramour Estate.

The cast is stacked with major names, with Garcia joined by Brendan Fraser, Dustin Hoffman, Bill Murray, Demián Bichir, Danny Huston, Lee Chen, Vicky Krieps, Rosemarie DeWitt, Robert Patrick, Sofia Stefan and Rachel Ticotin. Producers include Soriano, Frank Mancuso Jr., and Jai Stefan, alongside Garcia.

According to Variety, the premiere was well received by the audience and ended with a warm seven-minute standing ovation.

For Soriano, the project adds to his award-winning career in Philippine cinema. He previously directed acclaimed films “Thelma” and “Siargao,” earning Best Director honors from the Film Academy of the Philippines and the Metro Manila Film Festival.

He also comes from a family rooted in entertainment, being the grandson of the late veteran actor Nestor de Villa and the son of director Jeric Soriano. He is married to actress, host, and singer Toni Gonzaga.