b. San Francisco, CA
currently in New York City
M F A, Columbia University
B A, Loyola Marymount University
Stephen is a Filipino-American Director and Writer currently developing his first feature, GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR ME.  His latest short film, AT LITTLE WHEELIE THREE DAYS AGO, premiered in competition at the 75th Locarno Film Festival, while his previous film, MANILA IS FULL OF MEN NAMED BOY, premiered in competition at the 75th Venice Film Festival.
Stephen assisted Magnum photographer Jim Goldberg for three years before entering into Columbia University’s Graduate Film Program.  An alumnus of New York Film Festival's Artist Academy, Stephen has received support from the David Ross Fetzer Foundation for Emerging Artists as well as Starlight Media's Stars Collective.
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Additionally, Stephen has worked as an editor and educator.  He cut the feature film EYIMOFE (THIS IS MY DESIRE) which premiered at the 71st Berlinale. The film was acquired by Janus Films, releasing on the Criterion Collection.  Stephen also edited ENTRÉ TU Y MILAGROS which premiered in competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival and was awarded the Orizzonti Prize.  Most recently, he co-edited THE PASS which premiered in competition at the 75th Cannes Film Festival Cinefondation.

Stephen has taught filmmaking at Columbia University (BA), Temple University (MFA), and Purchase College (BFA). 
Photo Above by Mark Jayson Quines