Stephen is a Filipino-American Director and Writer based in New York City. Stephen’s last narrative film, Manila is Full of Men Named Boy, premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival and continued on to the Busan International Film Festival, Festival du Court Métrage de Clermont-Ferrand, and SxSW. The film won Best U.S. Film at the 25th Palm Springs International Shortfest, among others.
Additionally, Stephen works as an editor and educator. Most recently, he cut the feature film Eyimofe (This is My Desire) which premiered at the 71st Berlinale. He also edited Entré tu y Milagros which premiered in competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival and was awarded the Orizzonti Prize. Stephen has taught filmmaking at Columbia University, Temple University, and SUNY Purchase.