Renowned filmmaker Mike De Leon, known for critical works like 'Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,' dies at 78
Renowned Filipino filmmaker Mike De Leon, known for his socially relevant and politically charged films, died at age 78 on August 28, 2025.
His notable works include 'Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,' 'Sister Stella L.,' 'Itim,' 'Citizen Jake,' and 'Kangkungan,' which criticized the Duterte administration.
De Leon's films have been screened at prestigious venues such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Cannes Film Festival, contributing significantly to Philippine cinema.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) posted about his passing on its Facebook page, recognizing De Leon’s legacy with a quote from FDCP chair Jose Javier Reyes, who said that De Leon shone a light on the beauty and pain of the downtrodden and repressed.
De Leon was born in Manila to film producer Manuel de Leon and Imelda Pamintuan, and his life's work included both cinematography and direction.
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