Fun fact: Many of the most successful and beloved Filipino films are helmed by women. In fact, eight out of the ten highest-grossing Filipino films were directed by women. From industry icons like Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Joyce Bernal, and Olivia Lamasan to today’s rising stars, female directors have played a crucial role in shaping Philippine cinema.
Here are five Filipina directors who are making waves today in the industry and proving that the future of film is female.
1. Antoinette Jadaone
Antoinette Jadaone has mastered the art of storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings. Known for her smart and emotionally resonant romantic dramedies like That Thing Called Tadhana and Alone/Together, Jadaone has cemented her place as one of the country’s most celebrated filmmakers. Most recently, her 2024 film Sunshine premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and even won the prestigious Crystal Bear for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. Her stories feel intimate yet universal—a signature that makes her work unforgettable.
2. Cathy Garcia-Sampana
When it comes to box-office success, Cathy Garcia-Sampana is the queen. Not only did she direct Hello, Love, Again, the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, but she also has four films in the overall Top 10, including Hello, Love, Goodbye, The Hows of Us, and A Second Chance. Her ability to craft swoon-worthy love stories with undeniable chemistry has made her a household name in Philippine cinema. If you’ve ever laughed, cried, and sighed over a Filipino romance movie, chances are, it was directed by her.
3. Isabel Sandoval
Isabel Sandoval has been making waves internationally with her deeply personal and boundary-pushing films. The U.S.-based director first gained recognition in 2011, but it was her 2019 feature Lingua Franca that put her on the global stage, premiering at the Venice Film Festival and earning accolades worldwide. Her next film, Moonglow, was shot in the Philippines and stars herself alongside Arjo Atayde. Sandoval’s work is known for its quiet intensity, tackling themes of identity, immigration, and gender with grace and power.
4. Ramona S. Diaz
Filipino-American director Ramona S. Diaz is best known for her documentaries that feature distinctly Filipino stories. Some of her subjects have included Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, journalist Maria Ressa, and former Vice President Leni Robredo. Her film about Robredo titled And So It Begins chronicled the politician’s 2022 presidential campaign. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was chosen as the Philippine entry at the 97th Academy Awards.
5. Marie Jamora
Marie Jamora’s career began with music videos for legendary OPM bands like Sponge Cola and Eraserheads, but she quickly proved she was destined for more. Her feature film debut, Ang Nawawala, was a festival hit, and since then, she’s expanded her directorial prowess to U.S. television. She’s directed episodes for major shows like Matlock, Queen Sugar, and The Cleaning Lady, solidifying her status as a Filipina filmmaker making waves beyond local shores.
With storytellers like these leading the way, the future of Philippine cinema is in good hands. And this is just the beginning—filmmakers like Mae Cruz-Alviar, Martika Escobar, Sam Lee, Baby Ruth Villarama, Hannah Espia, Rae Red, and many more are proving that the industry is full of incredible female talent. Let’s celebrate them, support their work, and keep watching as they redefine what’s possible on screen.