Joseph Vitali
Directing
Biography
Joseph Vitali (b. 2002) is an emerging Filipino filmmaker from Manila, shaped by a working-class upbringing in informal communities. His work focuses on quiet realities of everyday life, turning lived experiences into stories rooted in the streets he grew up in. Themes of safe spaces and social injustice remain central to his works, drawn from firsthand encounters growing up. He continues to develop his voice through observation-driven and socially grounded storytelling. He began filmmaking in 2023, first working as a camera operator before moving into cinematography and eventually directing his own films. He was recently selected as a participant in Batch 30 of the Ricky Lee Scriptwriting Workshop, conducted by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, where he further developed his storytelling practice under the guidance of one of the Philippines’ most respected screenwriters. His debut film, sa likod ng salamin (reflections of the end) 2024, gained recognition in local festival circuits and received multiple awards and nominations in the Philippine independent film scene. His succeeding work, kung paano kakalas (never been there, never.) 2026, has already premiered, continuing his exploration of working-class realities in Metro Manila. He is currently completing his third film, nakalimutan ko na kung paano (2026), which is in post-production.
Known For
Raves are the pinnacle of creating safe spaces; houses creative expression through music, fashion, and icons that promote community building. We follow D Waviee, a DJ and a trans icon in the Filipino rave scene, while we get a glimpse of the local rave scene—as she closes the night of queer joy, with her music.
.WAVIEE
A local barbershop will be closing soon after serving for 28 years. Rey, the barber, has decided to open his shop for one last time. His last day will reveal his true purpose in life.
sa likod ng salamin
A film by Jude Lim
Bubble Bang
a film by Cis De Luna
Scytoscoscia
As hearsay turns into lore, lore into facts, and facts into uncertainty; Koleen, Rica and Kiko, set out to discover that the lines between lies and truth are not so blurry after all.
Patungo Sa Kung Saan Lahat Tayo Ay May Alam
Brothers Omar and Jepoy wait for the next rain to pick mushrooms to sell, test the magic of a song Jepoy learned from school, and prove a legend Omar heard.
Kung ang Ulan
An artist is struck with a mysterious condition that fills up her lungs with water. As she is called to her imminent death, her sister serves as her salvation.
Daluyong
Three friends are forced to organize their late friend’s necrological service after something unexpected happens to his dead body. In the process, a wound from the past will be opened for one of them.
You Take My Breath Away.
After being forced out of school, Kokoy, 20, finally finds hope after landing a job interview. Little does he know that he is living a real-life loop of badluck.
Ulit-ulit
On the eve of his eviction, William's life fractures into three possible futures, each revealing a different gamble of survival.
nakalimutan ko na kung paano.
A trio’s roadtrip bailout from a disastrous family outing gets hindered by tension, confrontation, and a very, very urgent bladder.
Pantog
Edison, a street vendor in Manila, must sell all his remaining sherbet products before he can go home and celebrate Christmas. When his usual stall has no customers, he must find a way to look for buyers, chasing the chance to finally rest. Set against the holiday cheer, this documentary portrays the humanized persona of a young adult working hard to earn his right to celebrate.