Lester Valle is an award-winning director, producer, and cinematographer from the Philippines. He is best known for his gritty, bold, and socially relevant films that explore the depths of Filipino society.
Valle was born in Manila in 1971 and grew up in the city’s slums. Despite the poverty and deprivation of his upbringing, he held on to his dreams of becoming a filmmaker. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the University of the Philippines’ College of Mass Communication and took classes in directing, cinematography, and production.
After graduating, Valle began working on low-budget independent films and documentaries. He soon developed a unique style that was both visually striking and emotionally powerful. His films often explored themes of poverty, social injustice, and inequality.
In 2003, Valle released his first feature film, “Gulong,” which was a critical and commercial success. The film explored the life of a poor Filipino family and their struggle to survive in a society ridden with corruption and inequality. The film earned him numerous awards, including Best Picture at the Manila International Film Festival.
In 2008, Valle released his second feature film, “Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.” The film was an action-packed horror-comedy about a group of people who must battle a mythical monster. It was an unprecedented success and earned Valle numerous awards, including Best Director at the Asian Film Awards.
Valle has since released a string of successful films, including “Honor Thy Father” (2015), “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (2016), and “Signal Rock” (2018), which earned him his first international award. He has also directed numerous television series and commercials.
Today, Valle continues to make socially relevant films that explore the depths of Filipino society. His films have earned him numerous awards and recognition, cementing his place as one of the most acclaimed Filipino directors of all time.
