Charena Escala is a critically acclaimed director and producer from the Philippines. She is best known for her gripping, socially conscious films that explore complex issues of culture, gender, and family. She has received several awards for her work including the Best Film award from the Metro Manila Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Growing up in a small town in the Philippines, Charena was inspired by the stories of her own family and community. She attended the University of the Philippines, where she studied film and television production. She then went on to pursue a Master’s degree in directing at the New York Film Academy.
Her career as a director began in 2000, when her first feature film “Aswang” premiered at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. The film tells the story of a young woman struggling to escape the clutches of a mythical creature in the Philippine jungle. It received critical acclaim, earning Charena the Grand Prize at the festival.
Since then, Charena has gone on to direct a number of critically acclaimed films. Her most notable works include “A Mother’s Story” (2003), which tells the story of a mother and her son’s struggle to survive in a poverty-stricken slum. The film won Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival and was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival. Her other films include “Kita Kita” (2007), which tells the story of a young woman who rediscovers her passion for life after she loses her sight, and “Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita” (2009), a coming-of-age drama about a young girl’s search for identity in a society that limits her options.
Charena’s films have been praised for their socially conscious themes and nuanced characters. Her films often explore the complexities of Filipino culture and the struggles of its people. In addition to her work as a director, Charena also serves as a producer and mentor to aspiring filmmakers. She is a member of the Asian Film Academy and the Director’s Guild of the Philippines.
Charena Escala is an award-winning director and producer whose work has been praised for its socially conscious themes and nuanced characters. Her films are a testament to her commitment to telling stories that shed light on the struggles of Filipino people and their
