Meet The Team

Festival Director

Jennifer Maliwanag

Guiding our festival's vision with unmatched passion and an eye for the extraordinary, Jennifer Maliwanag serves as the Festival Director. With her at the helm, we journey deeper into cinematic landscapes, ensuring every film and event aligns with our mission to "see what others can't." Not only an award-winning author and a gifted photographer, but also an acclaimed director for films like "In Time," "The Letter," "Lovelots," and "One Wish," she has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Her talents have earned her accolades at esteemed events like the New York Film Awards, Top Shorts, Los Angeles Film Award, and Thessaloniki Film Festival. In addition to her achievements in film, Jennifer also owns an events company known for executing plans with ease and precision. Join us in celebrating the world of cinema, under Jennifer's visionary leadership

An Aural Connoisseur

Alexander Jude Gotinga

Journeying through the wavelengths of music and amplifying voices across various radio stations, Alexander Jude Gotinga has established himself as a maestro in the realm of sonic storytelling. As a seasoned program director, his unparalleled acumen in curating auditory experiences has earned him respect and admiration within the industry.

Now, as a jury member for the Santa Maria Film Festival, Alexander is set to lend his keen ear and discerning perspective, ensuring that the melodies and harmonies showcased resonate with the essence of storytelling and artistic expression. Entrust in his expertise to celebrate and elevate the symphonies that define our cinematic tales

Cinema's Visionary Craftsman

Jerico Maliwanag

Co-owner of the soon to rise World Cup Cafe in 143 Summit, this coffee person and former chemical engineer, had pivoted to a creative life that earned him skills to lend in storytelling and filmmaking, resonating with authenticity and finesse.

As jury member of for the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival, Jerico aims to spotlight the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring that the festival’s narrative remains as compelling as the tales it showcases.

Cinematic Storyteller Extraordinaire

Rex Lopez

An art-based creative in the advertising industry and rose through the ranks to become a Creative Director for several multinational advertising agencies. He is also a co-founder of Psyops8 and BlackOps Studios Asia. Currently, he leads ideation and strategy, focusing on creating and producing content for both the local and global markets and platforms. Rex led the creative team and worked alongside Director Pedring Lopez for the first Netflix 'original' film feature from the Philippines, 'Maria,' in 2019. He is presently filming 'SellBlock' for SEA Amazon Prime. Rex serves as a jury member for the Santa Maria Film Festival, supporting emerging talent in the industry

Filmography: Binhi a.k.a. Nilalang a.k.a. The Entity (2016) • Darkroom (2017) • Maria (2019) • Biyernes Santo (2021) • SellBlock (in-production)"

Globetrotting Literary Maestro

Mohammad Abedi

A literary force with global acclaim. The genius behind "Hermes," 2021's top philosophical magazine, his works have echoed across 10 countries and been translated into 20+ languages. His screenplay "Howl" has garnered attention in numerous film festivals. An advocate for sustainability, Abedi actively supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Now, he brings his multifaceted expertise as a jury member to the Santa Maria Film Festival