Vahn Leinard C. Pascual is a young and talented Filipino film director, producer, writer, and actor who has been making waves in the film industry. He was born on April 30, 2000, and is currently studying at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking. Despite being a student, Pascual has already made more than twenty short films that have been officially selected and won numerous awards in different film festivals worldwide.
Pascual's passion for filmmaking started at a young age, and he has been honing his craft ever since. He is known for his unique style and artistic approach, which often explores political and queer themes. His works have gained critical acclaim and have been recognized both locally and internationally.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the film industry, Pascual was awarded the prestigious Ani ng Dangal or "Harvest of Honors" by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, an agency under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. He was also recognized as a Film Ambassador at Film Ambassador's Night by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. In 2022, Pascual was named one of CNN Philippines Life's "Eight emerging Filipino directors to watch out for," solidifying his position as one of the most promising filmmakers of his generation.
One of Pascual's most notable works is his film Sina Alexa, Xander at ang Universe (2020), which won several Best Picture awards in different film festivals and was officially part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 and the prestigious Toronto Queer Film Festival 2023. The film received critical acclaim for its unique and compelling storyline, and Pascual's direction was praised for its bold and innovative approach.
Another of Pascual's films, Silang mga Naligaw sa Limot (2021), won an international award at the 14th Tbilisi Sunrise International Youth Film Festival, the first and longest-running youth film festival in Georgia. It also won the Jury Prize in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Shorts Sine Isla: LuzViMinda 2022. The film explores themes of loss and grief and was praised for its raw and chilling performances.
Pascual was also recognized for his film Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (2021), which received a co-production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines' International Silent Film Festival Manila: Mit Out Sound. The film won the Best Picture award and was nominated for Best Director at the prestigious event. Later on, the film screened and received awards from different film festivals, including the notable QCinema International Film Festival for the Rainbow QC Shorts category.
Pascual also creates animations and is known for his films Blue Is Not My Favorite Color (2020), which won the Audience Choice Award in QFest: The Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival 2020 in Houston, Texas. It was also screened at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Arthouse Cinema: Pride and Independence 2022 and many other local film festivals. Another animation film that Pascual created was Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (2022), which received an Honorable Mention in Gawad Alternatibo 2022 and Best Film for Animation Category in Manila Student Film Festival 2023.
Aside from his work as a filmmaker, Pascual has also starred in several films. He appeared in the films Sisa (2008) directed by CJ Andaluz and Frank Rivera, and Ante (2009) directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. Pascual has also acted in several short films