Lensing some of the biggest and most acclaimed local movies, shows, and music videos are these talented Filipina cinematographers.
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The conversation on representation of women behind the camera goes beyond positions such as director and scriptwriter. There are dozens and even hundreds of creatives who make and shape what we watch and consume possible. Arguably one of the more underrated but vital roles is the cinematographer or Director of Photography (DOP). They are the ones responsible for filming and translating the ideas of the director and producers visually. As such, their work is important, especially when it comes to lensing a variety of narratives.
In the local media industry, quite a few Filipinas have made and are continuing to make a name for themselves through their work as cinematographers and DOPs and making a space for the female gaze. A cinematographer’s work is no joke and these following creatives have a vision that cuts through the noise to help frame unique, different, exciting, and necessary stories. Their work is paving the way for more women to make it in a typically male-dominated industry.
MARTIKA ESCOBAR
INSTAGRAM/MARTIKA.ESCOBAR
While you may know Martika Escobar for her critically acclaimed and globally-recognized directorial debut Leonor Will Never Die, the director has also flexed her talents in a multitude of fields, most notably cinematography. She’s served as the cinematographer for music videos to top artists such as The Juans, Zack Tabudlo, and Ace Banzuelo, and movies like When This Is All Over and A Catholic Schoolgirl. Is there anything she can’t do?
LEE BRIONES-MEILY
When talking about legends in the local film industry, there’s no one doubting the contributions of Lee Briones-Meily. The two-time FAMAS winner for Best Cinematography is the woman responsible for the visual storytelling behind classics such as Tanging Yaman, Baler, Crying Ladies, Ekstra, and more.
SHAYNE SARTE
With four FAMAS and five Gawad Urian nominations to her name, Shayne Sarte has become a go-to cinematographer and mentor to other Filipina cinematographers for a reason. First Love, Kimmy Dora, Milan, Got 2 Believe, and Minsan, Mahal Kita are all films she has been behind the lens for.
CESCA LEE
INSTAGRAM/_CESCALEE
Cesca Lee is an example of what happens when you nurture talent in the local industry. The creative has had quite a few stints abroad to further her talent, most notably being accepted as a cinematography fellow in the Asian Film Academy (AFA) in Busan under the Busan International Film Festival and participating at the Kyoto Filmmaker’s Lab.
Her career, meanwhile, has a range that goes from independent to the mainstream, with credits for projects such as T.P.O. Temporary Protection Order, Purgatoryo, Sleep With Me, and Love Is Color Blind. She’s also worked with her mentor, Neil Daza, to shoot the acclaimed Fan Girl and the top-grossing Filipino movie of all time, Rewind. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, you can thank her as the visual mind behind Senior High and Linlang.
ANNE MONZON
INSTAGRAM/ANNEMONZON
What do Fantastica, Miracle in Cell No. 7, Barcelona: A Love Untold, A Second Chance, Four Sisters and a Wedding, and She’s Dating The Gangster all have in common? They all credit Anne Monzon as their cinematographer. Name a top-grossing Filipino movie, and chances are you’ll find her name as the DOP or cinematographer. Anne has also lent her visual talents in the music video space, where she served as the cinematographer to FELIP’s Bulan and ROCKSTA MVs.
TEY CLAMOR
INSTAGRAM/TEYCLAMOR
With blockbusters like Isa Pa With Feelings and indie darlings like Metamorphosis, for which she won the Cinema One Originals 2019 Best Cinematography, under her belt, Tey Clamor has a thriving career as a cinematographer, DOP, and camera operator. But most notably, she makes magic whenever she teams up with director and writer Rae Red. Love the cinematography of Roadkillers and Babae at Baril? You can thank this FAMAS and Gawad Urian winner.
SASHA PALMOARES
From the lovestruck mountains in That Thing Called Tadhana, to the tense classrooms in Bar Boys, the sapphic energy of Baka Bukas, and more, FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and FAP nominee Sasha Palmoares has been through it all as a cinematographer and DOP.
EVA MARIE PAZ
INSTAGRAM/EVALECTRIC
Denise Julia’s Sugar n’ Spice music video was made for the girls and by the girls. So, it only feels right that a woman was behind the MV’s cinematography, and that is none other than Eva Marie Paz. Her extensive portfolio also includes the series K-Love and a bevy of commercials for major brands. It’s giving versatility.
KARA MORENO
INSTAGRAM/FILIPINOCINEMATOGRAPHERS
Ask a Filipino cinephile who the best Filipina cinematographer working today are, chances are they’ll give Kara Moreno as one of the names, and for good reason. Her work as a cinematographer and DOP has brought to life numerous projects, such as Hello, Stranger, Third World Romance, Suntok Sa Buwan, and MMFF 2023 entries Becky and Badette and Kampon. She knows how to give what needs to be given.
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