Edrian Pangilinan

Biography: Edrian Pangilinan is a Filipino-American filmmaker and dance artist based in San Diego/Los Angeles, originally hailing from Mandaluyong City, Philippines. He is a co-founder of The FilAm Film Collective along with Marissa Roxas & Trixi Agiao, which aims to amplify fellow Fil-Am + AAPI voices in today's media. His work is deeply inspired by his push for representation as a brown, Filipino, and queer creative. He is grateful to pursue his dreams of becoming a filmmaker who centers LGBTQIA+ themes that challenge the status quo and initiate dialogues necessary for change. His personal short Ang Huling Sayaw (The Late Checkout) premiered in October 2023, exploring longing and loneliness during the pandemic-an experience that resonated with audiences critically. The film earned Audience Choice at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival 2023 and Best Director at Dreamanila International Film Festival 2024. In 2024, he received his first commissioned project as a director for Disco Riot's Move American, a socio-political dance film PSA for the presidential elections. He also served as production designer for ZOS!MO's Nagbabadyang Liwanag music video, created for NPR's 2025 Tiny Desk Contest. Moreso recently, Edrian has entered his music video directing era, collaborating with emerging artists to bring vibrant visual worlds to life. He also just wrapped principal photography for his upcoming queer short Colorette, starring Kyle Blaine Tiglao and Elmor C. Garlitos, and marking Edrian's comeback as an actor after five years. Credits include ABS-CBN/TFC, GMA PinoyTV, Goldilocks, San Diego Filipino Cinema, Vogue Italia, and Sundance. Looking ahead, Edrian sees his journey not only as a filmmaker but also as a vessel for community, healing, and reimagining what representation can look like. For him, every project-whether a dance film, music video, or narrative short-is a chance to honor the stories that shaped him and to create work that affirms, inspires, and sparks dialogue. He carries with him the belief that storytelling is an act of survival, resistance, and joy-and that through film, he can help pave the way for future generations to take up space unapologetically.