MA-AN L. ASUNCION-DAGÑALAN, DGPI FSG
An acclaimed director and screenwriter, recognized for her award-winning work in Philippine cinema. She won Best Director at the 2022 Cinemalaya Film Festival and the 2023 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards. Her film Blue Room received international acclaim, winning Best Foreign Film at the 2023 LA Femme International Film Festival which was held at the Regal Cinema in downtown Los Angeles and a Senate commendation as an Awardee of the 16th Ani ng Dangal Awards.
Pro Online Delegate at the 74th Locarno International Film Festival. Philippine Delegate to the IFFR: Rotterdam Lab 2025 (International Film Festival Rotterdam), Producers Network and Marche du Film at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
Originally from San Fernando, Pampanga, she began her cinematic journey in 2003 at the Mowelfund Film Institute studying cinematography before expanding her expertise in Mexican filmmaking under Gustavo Loza in 2006. She trained under National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, and Found Story founder Armando Lao.
She is a core member of the Filipino Screenwriters Guild (FSG), and current Board Secretary of the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) <<<
MICHAEL ANGELO DAGÑALAN, DGPI FSG
"Walang edad ang Sining dahil ito ay Imortal."
A Filipino director and screenwriter whose work has made significant contributions to Philippine independent cinema. He is known for his involvement in critically recognized films such as Isnats (2005) - 1st Cinemalaya Film Festival, Layang Bilanggo (2010), and Paglaya sa Tanikala (2012), works that explore themes of confinement, freedom, and social marginalization with emotional depth and narrative restraint. His film Layang Bilanggo earned him the Best Director Award at the 6th Cinema One Originals Film Festival in 2010, affirming his strong authorial voice and command of cinematic storytelling.
Dagñalan’s practice reflects a sustained engagement with socially relevant narratives and character-driven filmmaking, grounded in realism and human experience. Mike is a bonafide member of the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), and Filipino Screenwriters Guild (FSG) <<<