Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno began his
career at a young age. At 21, while studying
film at the University of the Philippines, he
received a $10,000 grant to produce his
debut feature, Clash. The film was selected
at the 2009 Venice FF Horizons, and won
the Lion of the Future Award and Horizons
Prize. Diokno’s second film, the family
drama Above the Clouds, received a CNC
grant, and premiered at the Tokyo FF. His
third film, the experimental mockumentary
Brotherhood (2014), premiered Out of
Competition at the Karlovy Vary FF. Diokno
is currently in post-production on his
fourth film, the historical drama Gomburza,
marking his return to filmmaking after eight
years. Outside of film, Diokno works in
advertising. Under Manila-based production
company UxS, he has collaborated with
clients such as P&G, Unilever, Nestlé, and
Jollibee on branded content that has
received international awards and achieved
viral success. Over the last six years, he
has worked for the liberal opposition,
doing communications and grassroots
campaigning. This experience has influenced
the scripts that he is currently developing.