Angelo Reyes

**Angelo P Reyes** is a Filipino/Italian actor, producer and director.

## Early Life

Angelo Reyes was born in a biracial household. His father is from Angono Rizal, the Art Capital of the Philippines, and his mother hailed from Naples, Italy, famous for its exquisite historical spots and hearty cuisine. Growing up, Angelo was into a diverse set of activities. He loved playing soccer but was also inclined towards traveling and designing. He also developed a special bond with art and film during his childhood and watched a ton of Filipino, Italian, and English cinema.

His passion for film drove Angelo to enter the professional world as a creative designer in an advertising agency. Angelo was primarily responsible for designing websites logos and commercials for an agency in New York at the firm. Later he decided to explore the television industry by hosting and co-producing local motorsports show called Street Vision Garage in Portsmouth, Virginia. During the show’s two years, Angelo got the opportunity to explore some beautiful but hidden parts of the country. These tours helped him become more self-aware and gave his life a new direction.

## Biography

### Nationality

Filipino/Italian

Angelo went to LS Acting Studio in NYC to study under the astute guidance of Lynette Sheldon, the internationally acclaimed acting teacher. After NYC, Angelo took a chance and went to Los Angeles to kickstart his acting career. Angelo worked in numerous television shows and films and gained critical industry skills. Working with co-actors from various backgrounds also taught him some valuable life lessons, and he made several new friends along the way.

Now that Angelo had treaded the acting world for a while, his creative spirit once again began to nudge him towards a new direction. He wanted to explore his talent in the production field. Taking a leap of faith, Angelo produced a short film in 2015 called Heartless. Initially, he found the process to be quite exhausting but also a great learning experience. Then Angelo stumbled upon a fascinating idea. Why not refine his skills as an actor by developing an affinity with production? After all, what was the harm in trying? For the next three years, Angelo dedicated himself to writing three feature films. The stories were inspired by true events depicting the harsh realities of life.

Angelo’s passion for acting and filmmaking could not remain hidden from the world for long. His 2020 short film, *21st & Colonial*, won the REMI Award at the 54th Worldfest International Film Festival. It was based on the real-life story of two strikingly different characters whose paths cross on a tragic day. Omar is a young African American man struggling to support his family and pregnant girlfriend. The other protagonist Carlos is an overworked, underpaid police officer with a dark past haunting him. The intricately woven tale struck a chord with whoever saw it. In addition to the REMI award, several of Angelo’s films have also received nominations in different categories.

Even over all these years, he has kept himself attached to his Filipino and Italian identities. His hybrid identity has helped him mature as an actor and explore different aspects of his personality. Angelo’s struggle to keep in touch with his roots also reflects in his productions. His films often explore the intricacies of the Filipino culture and raise awareness around diversity and inclusion.

Production has not in any way impacted Angelo’s acting aspirations. He continues to inspire and won accolades with his realistic depiction of complex characters. In 2018, he received the Rising Star Award at Westfield International Film Festival. In 2021, he was nominated for best supporting actor (21st & Colonial) at the International Film Festival Manhattan. His short film, 21st & Colonial, which he wrote, produced, starred and directed was a finalist in the 2021 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Leopard Scholarship Award. Angelo’s story is of inspiration and restores one’s faith in the spectacular resilience of the human spirit. His gradual yet promising journey to the glamorous world of Hollywood shows that with dedication and hard work, one can achieve any milestone in life.