Chris Martinez (director)

Chris Martinez
Occupations

Christopher D. Martinez is a Filipino screenwriter, director, producer, and playwright.[1] He is best known for writing the films Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (2011),[2] the Kimmy Dora series, and Caregiver (2008), and directing 100 (2008), Here Comes the Bride (2010) and The Gifted (2014).[3][4] A Palanca Award-winning playwright,[5] Martinez has earned critical acclaim for his work in both theater and film.[6][7]

His accolades include multiple awards from the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival,[8] a Golden Screen Award, and recognition from international festivals such as the Asian Film Awards,[9] Marrakech International Film Festival, and the Udine Far East Film Festival,[10][11] among others.

He is also the author of the book Laugh Trip.[12]

Early life and education

Martinez credited his exposure to a wide range of films from a young age to his father, who would take him to a local Betamax rental shop when he was younger to take home movies.[13]

He studied business administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman before transitioning to a career in writing and film.[14]

Career

Before making his feature-length directorial debut, Martinez worked as a screenwriter. He wrote the screenplay for Bridal Shower (2004), an official entry to the 29th Metro Manila Film Festival, marking his first collaboration with director Jeffrey Jeturian.[15][16] The following year, he re-teamed with Jeturian for Bikini Open (2005).[2] In 2006, he contributed as a writer to the Chito S. Roño horror film Sukob.[6]

In addition to his screenwriting work, Martinez directed the short film Bakas, an urban horror that won the Gawad CCP Award for Alternative Filmmaking.[5][17]

He made his directorial debut in 2008 with the Cinemalaya drama film 100. The film received the Audience Award at the 4th Cinemalaya Film Festival, while Martinez won Best Director and Best Screenplay.[18] The film was also screened at the Busan International Film Festival that year,[19] where it won the Audience Award.[20]

In 2012, Martinez wrote and directed the movie musical I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila!, which features a selection of songs by the Apo Hiking Society.[21] The film competed internationally at the 8th Osaka Asian Film Festival and the Far East Film Festival.[22][23] Martinez received nominations for Movie Director of the Year and Movie Screenwriter of the Year at the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.[24]

In 2014, Martinez wrote the screenplay and directed the dark comedy film The Gifted, which screen both locally and abroad.[25] The film was invited to participate in the 17th Far East Film Festival.[26]

Martinez served as writer and director of the 2016 comedy, Working Beks.[27] He described the film as presenting a more varied portrayal of gay characters, moving away from the stereotypical effeminate roles that were often used for humor in earlier Philippine cinema.[28]

In 2024, he wrote the screenplay for Espantaho, directed by Roño, which was an official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.[4][29] The following year, Martinez co-wrote the screenplay for Jeturian's UnMarry with Therese Cayaba.[30] The pair earned the Best Screenplay award at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival.[31]

Influences

Martinez has acknowledged that he was inspired by director Wenn V. Deramas, particularly in crafting slapstick comedy. He stated that watching Deramas’ films taught him about timing and audience appeal, while also emphasizing that he has developed his own distinct style from the director.[32] He has also cited Comedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer as an influence on his comedic approach, noting that it taught him that the most effective comedy is rooted in emotional pain.[14]

Martinez has also mentioned Rene Villanueva as a mentor during his playwriting career.[14]

Style and themes

Martinez is known for approaching film primarily through comedy, both in his roles as a director and a screenwriter. He described himself as a comedy director, saying that there is always a point to his comedy.[3] In an earlier interview, he said that he prefers working in comedy, though he has also expressed openness to directing a more “painful” film.[33]

His work frequently employs farcical situations, satire, and exaggerated character dynamics. His work as a writer on Ang Babae sa Septic Tank pokes fun at conventions of independent filmmaking in the Philippines.[34][35] For the sequel, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2, Martinez’s script has been described as having rhythm. Director Marlon Rivera, who collaborated with him on the film, credited Martinez’s writing for the humor and character antics, and noted that Martinez is strict about actors following the script.[36] The film continues the series’ satirical approach to Philippine cinema, which has been described as poking fun at commercial and formulaic filmmaking and exploring the tension between commercial value and film quality.[37][38]

Writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rito P. Asilo noted that Martinez delivers a briskly paced comedic tone in The Gifted (2014) that balances humor with cautionary drama while exploring themes of love, friendship, and ambition.[39]

In an interview discussing Here Comes the Groom (2023), Martinez explained that his preproduction work places emphasis on casting choices, and said that the sequel was “more pointed toward the conversation on gender identity.”[40] His 2025 film Kontrabida Academy, which he wrote and directed, has been described as a satirical comedy that pokes fun at recycled tropes of Filipino soap operas.[41][42]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Credited as Notes
Director Screenwriter Producer
1995 Proboys No Yes No Story and screenplay
2004 Bridal Shower No Yes No
2005 Bikini Open No Yes No
2006 Sukob No Yes No
2008 Caregiver No Yes No Story and screenplay
100 Yes Yes Executive
2009 Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme No Yes No
2010 Here Comes the Bride Yes Yes No [43]
2011 My Valentine Girls Yes No No Segment: "Gunaw"
Cooking Mo, Cooking Ko Yes Yes No Short film
The Howl & the Fussyket Yes Yes No
Joey Gosiengfiao's Temptation Island Yes Yes No [44]
The Woman in the Septic Tank No Yes Executive Creative Supervisor
Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 Yes Yes No "Segment: Rain, Rain, Go Away"
2012 Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme No Yes No
I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! Yes Yes No
2013 Instant Mommy No Story Executive
Status: It's Complicated Yes Yes No
Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel Yes Yes No Story and screenplay
2014 The Gifted Yes Yes No [45][46]
Beauty in a Bottle No Story Creative Creative Producer
2015 You're Still the One Yes No No
2016 Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin Yes No No Segment: "Asawa ni Marie"
Working Beks Yes Yes No
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough No Yes Executive [47]
2017 Extra Service Yes No No
Meant to Beh Yes No No Story and screenplay
2019 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken No Yes No
2023 Here Comes the Groom Yes Yes No Standalone sequel[40]
2024 Espantaho No Yes No [29][48]
2025 Kontrabida Academy Yes Yes No [49]

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2017 I Heart Davao Head writer [50][51]
2018-2023 Daddy's Gurl Director and head writer Creator [52][53]
2019 Mga Batang Poz Director Web Miniseries [54]

Theater

Year Production Venue Notes Ref.
2003 Temptation Island...Live! Cultural Center of the Philippines [55][56]
2006 Welcome to Intelstar Also writer [57]
2010 CAP Art Center
2015 Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady PETA Theater Center [58]

Works

Plays

  • Last Order sa Penguin (2001)[59]
  • Welcome to Intelstar (2005)[60]
  • Laugh Trip: Dalawang Komedya (2006)
  • Our Lady of Arlegui (2007)[8]

Children's stories

  • Ang Singsing-Pari sa Pisara (2014)[61]

Accolades

Films

Awards and nominations received by Chris Martinez
Awards and Nominations
Organization Year Nominated work Category Result Ref.
Asian Film Awards 2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Best Screenwriter Nominated [9][62]
Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2012 Nominated
Busan International Film Festival 2008 100 New Currents Award Nominated [63]
Audience Award Won [20]
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2008 100 Best Film Nominated
Best Screenplay Won [18]
Best Director Won
Audience Choice Won
2011 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Best Screenplay - New Breed Won [64]
FAMAS Awards 2009 Caregiver Best Story[a] Nominated
Gawad Urian Awards 2004 Bridal Shower Best Screenplay (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula) Nominated
2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Nominated [65]
Gawad TANGLAW 2012 Best Screenplay Won [66]
Golden Screen Awards 2009 100 Best Original Screenplay Nominated
Best Director Nominated
2011 Here Comes the Bride Best Story Nominated
Best Original Screenplay Nominated
Best Director Nominated
2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Best Story Nominated
Best Original Screenplay Won [67]
2013 I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nApo sila! Best Story Nominated [68]
Best Original Screenplay Nominated
Best Director Nominated
Luna Awards 2011 Caregiver Best Screenplay Nominated
2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Nominated
Marrakech International Film Festival 2008 100 Golden Star Nominated [63]
Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 Shake Rattle Roll 13 Best Director Nominated
Best Original Story[b] Won [69]
2013 Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel Best Screenplay Nominated
2016 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough Nominated
2024 Espantaho Nominated [70]
2025 UnMarry Won [31]
Osaka Asian Film Festival 2013 I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nApo sila! Grand Prix Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2009 100 Digital Movie Original Screenplay of the Year Nominated [71]
Caregiver Movie Original Screenplay of the Year Nominated
100 Digital Movie Director of the Year Nominated
2010 Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme Movie Original Screenplay of the Year Nominated [72]
2011 Here Comes the Bride Nominated [73]
Movie Director of the Year Nominated
2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Digital Movie Original Screenplay of the Year Nominated [74]
2013 I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nApo sila! Movie Screenwriter of the Year Nominated [24]
Movie Director of the Year Nominated
2015 The Gifted Movie Screenwriter of the Year Nominated [75]
Movie Director of the Year Nominated
Summer Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Here Comes the Groom Best Screenplay Nominated [76]
Best Director Nominated
The EDDYS 2026 Kontrabida Academy Best Screenplay Nominated [77]
UnMarry Nominated
Udine Far East Film Festival 2011 Here Comes the Bride Audience Award Nominated [10]

Literary awards

Awards and nominations received by Chris Martinez
Organization Year Work / Nominee Category Result Ref.
Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature 2001 "Last Order sa Penguin" Dulang Ganap ang Haba (Full-Length Play) First Prize [60][59]
2005 "Welcome to Intelstar" One-Act Play Third Prize [78]
2007 "Our Lady of Arlegui" Dulaang May Isang Yugto (One-Act Play) First Prize [8]
2013 "Ang Singsing-Pari sa Pisara" Maikling Kwentong Pambata (Children's Short Story)[c] Second Prize [79][61]

Honors and state recognition

Awards and nominations received by Chris Martinez
Organization Year Nominee/Work Category Result Ref.
Indie Bravo! Awards 2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Scriptwriter Honored [80][81]

Notes

  1. ↑ Shared with Chito S. Roño, Jewel C. Castro.
  2. ↑ Shared with Marlon Rivera.
  3. ↑ Shared with Eugene Y. Evasco.

References

  1. ↑ "King of comedy: an interview with Chris Martinez". www.fareastfilm.com (in Italian). Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  2. 1 2 De Jesus, Totel. "How Cinemalaya helped keep artistic integrity of PH films". ABS-CBN.
  3. 1 2 Tomada, Nathalie. "Chris Martinez on writing and directing comedy in the woke era". Philstar.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  4. 1 2 Magsanoc, Kai (13 August 2012). "Chris Martinez: Bringing Pinoy humor to life". RAPPLER. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  5. 1 2 "Director Chris Martinez travels with his stars for "100"". PEP.ph. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  6. 1 2 "LA Asian Pacific Film Festival 2009: an interview with 100 director Chris Martinez". international.ucla.edu. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  7. ↑ "Young filmmakers shine: Pioneer Insurance honors Real to Reel Gen Z short film competition winners". INQUIRER.net. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 "Laughter & prejudice in 'Arlegui' book". Philstar.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  9. 1 2 "Asian Film Awards Nominations 2012". MUBI. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  10. 1 2 "Eugene Domingo and director Chris Martinez are on their way to Udine, Italy for the screening of Her". PEP.ph. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  11. ↑ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (5 March 2013). "Three Philippine films in Udine fest". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  12. ↑ Chris Martinez (2006). Laugh trip: dalawang komedya. Quezon City: Milflores Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9789718280515.
  13. ↑ Tomada, Nathalie. "To fathers, with love and pride". Philstar.com. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 Rodis, Girlie. "Chris Martinez loves books on writing for film". Philstar.com. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  15. ↑ "Jeffrey Jeturian talks about the stars of The Wedding". PEP.ph. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  16. ↑ angelago (5 December 2025). "From racy satire to comedic reality: Jeffrey Jeturian's films". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  17. ↑ Jr, Bayani San Diego (18 December 2011). "Rolling in the deep". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  18. 1 2 "Deserving Accolades". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  19. ↑ "Mylene Dizon's "100" invited to Pusan IFF". PEP.ph. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  20. 1 2 Landreth, Jonathan (8 November 2008). "New Filipino films challenge status quo". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  21. ↑ Pastor, Pam (31 August 2012). "Chris Martinez says I Do (Bidoo Bidoo)". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  22. ↑ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (30 January 2013). "'I Do Bidoo' competes in Osaka fest". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  23. ↑ "Eugene Domingo replaces Kris Aquino in Jun Lana's Mga Kuwentong Barbero". PEP.ph. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  24. 1 2 "Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos compete for Best Actress in 29th Star Awards for Movies". PEP.ph. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  25. ↑ "The Gifted screens abroad". Philstar.com. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  26. ↑ "Anne Curtis thrilled that The Gifted is invited to film fest in Italy; recorded duet with Christian Bautista". PEP.ph. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  27. ↑ "What to expect from gay-themed movie starring John Lapus, TJ Trinidad and others". PEP.ph. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  28. ↑ Calderon, Ricky L. "'Working Beks' a tribute to gays". Philstar.com. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  29. 1 2 Tomada, Nathalie. "Chito Roño helms Quantum Films' 20th-year offering 'Espantaho'". Philstar.com. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  30. ↑ Unjieng, Philip Cu (18 December 2025). "Breaking up is 'heart' to do: A review of 'UnMarry'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  31. 1 2 "Vice Ganda, Krystel Go, Manila's Finest, UnMarry big winners at MMFF 2025". PEP.ph. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  32. ↑ Regondola, Glenn (26 October 2016). "Chris Martinez on comparison to the late Wenn Deramas: "Nag-iisa si Direk... nag-iisa din ako."". PEP.ph.
  33. ↑ "Direk Chris would rather make people laugh". Philstar.com. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  34. ↑ Cruz, Marinel R. (13 July 2011). "'Septic Tank' pokes fun at indies". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  35. ↑ Limjap, Ria (20 July 2011). "The Art of Satire: Ang Babae sa Septic Tank". SPOT.PH. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  36. ↑ Tantuco, Vernise (25 December 2016). "MMFF 2016: 'Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2' tackles the making of a romcom". RAPPLER. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  37. ↑ Jimenez-David, Rina (30 December 2016). "Laughter and romance in a septic tank". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  38. ↑ "MMFF 2016 REVIEW: Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2 sticks to its formula but Eugene shines as expected". PEP.ph. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  39. ↑ Asilo, Rito P. (6 September 2014). "Twisted tale brings out the best in Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  40. 1 2 Cruz, Marinel (18 April 2023). "Why 'Here Comes the Groom' works, according to director Chris Martinez". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  41. ↑ Blancaflor, MJ. "Film review: 'Kontrabida Academy' takes aim at tired TV tropes". Metro News Central.
  42. ↑ Garcia, Harvey (28 September 2025). "'Kontrabida Academy' reflects on Filipinos' self-awareness". INQUIRER.net USA. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  43. ↑ Here comes the bride. WorldCat listing. Accessed November 2014.
  44. ↑ Jocelyn Dimaculangan (4 July 2011). "Direk Chris Martinez does not mind cuts made to Temptation Island". PEP.ph.
  45. ↑ [s.n.] (16 August 2014). Three stars and their 'gifts'. The Manila Times. Accessed November 2014.
  46. ↑ Pastrano, Mozart (22 September 2014). "'The Gifted' succeeds in spoofing only itself". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  47. ↑ Dimaculangan, Jocelyn (20 November 2016). "MMFF 2016 boldly touted to be "renaissance in Philippine cinema"". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  48. ↑ "Judy Ann Santos spotlights "todohan ang aktingan" in Espantaho". PEP.ph. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  49. ↑ "'Kontrabida Academy' is no. 1 on Netflix's 'Top 10 Movies in the Philippines Today'". GMA News Online. 14 September 2025. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  50. ↑ "How did I Heart Davao pilot episode fare in AGB ratings?". PEP.ph. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  51. ↑ Arquiza, Yasmin (28 June 2017). "I Heart Davao starts airing, beats rival". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  52. ↑ Acar, Aedrianne. "'Daddy's Gurl' director Chris Martinez welcomes challenges doing the sitcom amid ongoing pandemic". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  53. ↑ Garcia, Cara Emmeline (1 November 2020). "Direk Chris Martinez and Ina Feleo comment on viral 'Daddy's Gurl' scene". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  54. ↑ Daria, Edo (27 July 2019). "From R-18 to R-16: Director Chris Martinez explains why 'Mga Batang Poz' is for young people". ABS-CBN.
  55. ↑ Mateo, Ibarra C. "The remorselessly 'camp' Temptation Island... Live!". Philstar.com. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  56. ↑ "Heart Evangelista switches role with Lovi Poe in Temptation Island". PEP.ph. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  57. ↑ "AGAIN, "WELCOME TO INTELSTAR!"". Philstar.com. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  58. ↑ Alviar, Vaughn (17 April 2015). "Why 'Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady' might just turn out to be the year's biggest musical". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 25 July 2026.
  59. 1 2 Rodis, Girlie. "Chris Martinez loves books on writing for film". Philstar.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  60. 1 2 "51st Palanca winners honored". Philstar.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  61. 1 2 besguerra (1 September 2013). "Cirilo Bautista, 58 winners honored at 63rd Palanca Awards". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  62. ↑ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (17 January 2012). "'Septic' gets 2 nods in Asian Oscars". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  63. 1 2 ""100" stars mingle with Hollywood personalities in Marrakech". PEP.ph. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  64. ↑ "'Ang Babae sa Septic Tank' tops Cinemalaya 2011". GMA. 25 July 2011.
  65. ↑ "35th Gawad Urian nominees revealed". PEP.ph. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  66. ↑ "10th Gawad TANGLAW names 11 celebrities as Pinaka Kapuri-puring Artista ng Dekada". PEP.ph. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  67. ↑ "EnPress honors best in Philippine film at 9th Golden Screen Awards". Philstar.com. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  68. ↑ "I Do Bidoo Bidoo leads 10th Golden Screen Awards nominations". PEP.ph. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  69. ↑ "Asiong Salonga sweeps 37th MMFF Awards Night; Maricel Soriano and Dingdong Dantes win top acting honors". PEP.ph. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  70. ↑ Reyes, Juno (27 December 2024). "FULL LIST: Winners, 2024 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal". RAPPLER. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  71. ↑ ""Baler" leads with 13 nominations in 25th Star Awards for Movies". PEP.ph. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  72. ↑ "PMPC announces nominees for the 26th Star Awards for Movies". PEP.ph. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  73. ↑ "The list of the 27th Star Awards bets". Philstar.com. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  74. ↑ "28th Star Awards for Movies nominees revealed". PEP.ph. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  75. ↑ Jimenez, Joyce. "Check out the nominees of the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Movies". Philstar.com. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  76. ↑ Robles, Renzneil (11 April 2023). "Summer MMFF 2023 reveals list of nominees". Your Guide to the Big City. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  77. ↑ "'Quezon,' 'UnMarry,' 'Sunshine' lead 9th Eddys nominations". ABS-CBN. 26 June 2026.
  78. ↑ Yuson, Alfred A. "The Palanca Awards turn 55!". Philstar.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  79. ↑ Sally Lee Loreto (2 September 2013). Carlos Palanca awardees announced. The Manila Times. Accessed November 2014.
  80. ↑ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (6 December 2012). "Bravo, indies!". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  81. ↑ Jr, Bayani San Diego (13 December 2012). "PDI confers 3rd 'Indie Bravo!' awards to year's best". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 19 September 2025.


This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.