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.
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