JL Burgos
Biography
JL Burgos is an independent filmmaker/visual artist based in the Philippines. The majority of his works center on human rights. His latest documentary, Alipato at Muog, won the Special Jury Prize at the Cinemalaya Film Festival XX. It also received the Best Picture and Best Director awards at the FAMAS Awards 2025 and Best Documentary, Best Editing, and Best Film at the Gawad Urian 2025. Before this, Burgos directed and produced two mid-length documentaries about press freedom and the right to self-determination – Portraits of Mosquito Press and Han-Ayan. Over the course of 20 years, Burgos has worked on short films, experimental videos, public service announcements, web series, and a TV show either as a director, cinematographer, editor, scriptwriter, producer, or a combination of roles.
Known For & Full Filmography3 Titles
Movie - 2020, 2h 15m • as Himself
Uncertainty and fear loom as Duterte threatens “quarantine violators” while dissatisfaction with the government’s COVID-19 pandemic response grows.
Movie - 2024, 2h 15m • as Self
The brother of missing activist Jonas Burgos bares in this documentary the untold stories behind the confidential leads, damning evidence, and why the disappearance of his brother remains a relevant case today.
Movie - 2015, 2h 15m • as Himself
The documentary about the history and struggle for Press Freedom of Mosquito Press during the dark days of Marcos dictatorship.