Acclaimed filmmaker Mike de Leon, whose socially charged works left an indelible mark on Philippine cinema, has died at the age of 78 on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) paid tribute to De Leon, calling him a “visionary filmmaker” whose artistry and commitment to storytelling shaped generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
“[His] life was dedicated to film. His consistent imagination to explore the language of cinema shaped what we understand of Philippine filmmaking today,” FDCP Chairman Jose Javier Reyes said in an online statement.
De Leon was best known for critically acclaimed films such as Kisapmata (1981), Batch ’81 (1982), and Sister Stella L. (1984). His works confronted themes of morality, authoritarianism, and social justice, reflecting the struggles of Filipinos during the Marcos dictatorship.
Film scholars and critics often credited De Leon with pushing the boundaries of cinematic language while weaving sharp commentaries on culture, faith, and politics. His works continue to be regarded as essential pieces of Philippine film history.
De Leon’s legacy will live on through the enduring relevance of his films, which remain powerful mirrors of the Filipino experience.
