MANILA -- The long wait is over.

Mike de Leon's much-awaited comeback film “Citizen Jake” will finally be screening in Philippine cinemas nationwide starting May 23.

This was confirmed by de Leon himself after several meetings with Solar Pictures in the past few weeks.

In a post on the film's Facebook page, the award-winning filmmaker appealed to the public for support.

“My film may be fiction, but it is based on truths we ignore at our own risk. It should be seen by its audience in its original version, without cuts and without compromise. The film is not perfect, far from it, but it is a good honest film that is seeking an audience that I am convinced is out there. May you allow me to ask for your support?" de Leon wrote.

“Citizen Jake” was rated rated R13 without cuts by the MTRCB.

De Leon's last directorial job, "Bayaning Third World,” which was also distributed by Solar 18 years ago.

“The unconventional storytelling of ‘Citizen Jake’ is something we would like to offer the audience. The story is also relevant today and we hope this will drive moviegoers to watch this starting May 23,” Wilson Tieng, president and CEO of Solar Entertainment, said in a statement released Tuesday.

• REVIEW: 'Citizen Jake' is Mike de Leon at his angriest, bravest

“Citizen Jake,” tells the story of journalist Jake Herrera (Atom Araullo in his movie debut), the estranged son of a powerful senator. More than anything, he wants to prove he is not like his father. This has been the motivation for most of his adult life’s decisions, from career choice to his attempt to build a life for himself far away, in Baguio.

But circumstances force him to try to solve the brutal murder of a young, female student from the university he teaches in. The investigation brings him on a path to encounter corruption and to finally face his own demons.

Also part of cast are Cherie Gil, Dina Bonnevie, Nonie Buencamino, Adian “Luis” Alandy, Gabby Eigenmann, Max Collins, Teroy Guzman, Lou Veloso, Richard Quan, with Victor Neri, Allan Paule, Anna Luna, Elora Españo, Cholo Barretto, Raquel Villavicencio, Nanding Josef, and Ruby Ruiz.