Jacob Alcala
Directing
Biography
Jacob Alcala (2001) is a Filipino filmmaker and producer based in Vancouver, BC. Raised between the Philippines and the UAE, he graduated cum laude in Audiovisual Design from the Willem de Kooning Academy in the Netherlands. Working across directing, producing, cinematography, and post-production, his practice is rooted in his experience as a first-generation immigrant and explores the intersections of memory, identity, and migration. His debut short Until Then (2023) screened at the Vancouver Short Film Festival and San Diego Filipino Film Festival, and won Best International Short Film at the Jakarta Independent Film Festival. He later produced Honey, My Love, So Sweet (2025, dir. JT Trinidad), which had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival and won Best Short Film at the QCinema International Film Festival. He is also an alumnus of the Vancouver International Film Festival’s 2025 Catalyst Program, where he received mentorship as an emerging director. He is currently producing Good Morning (dir. A.J. Vergara, in post-production) and MUSE (dir. Joshua Brad-Lee Garrido, in production), both independent debut feature films.
Known For
A pastor stuck at a red light finds himself at a crossroads with God.
Red Light Rebel
A silly bromance sparks out of the closeness of two laidback high school boys, Maki and Kaloy. When a night of reckless drinking with their friends leads them to share a bed together, they discover the true nature of their bromance and now must decide whether to embrace this or risk losing each other's friendship.
Ang Halikan Sa Water Fountain
RAMPAGE! (or the parade)
RAMPAGE! (or the parade)
In a decaying cinema in the heart of Manila, Life discovers first love through films and their new friend’s father.
Honey, My Love, So Sweet
Ethan, a third culture Filipino and aspiring chef goes back to the Philippines for the first time in his life to visit his Lola Luningning. Here, he struggles as he immerses himself in the Filipino culture, while tackling his grandmother’s challenge of cooking noche buena.
I Am A Halo-Halo
Poy, a second-gen migrant and Shirley, an exhausted local, strike an unlikely connection and wander through Manila at night.
Until Then
A gay student leader finds himself in the collective voices of an ensemble to avenge and reclaim the voice once taken from him.
If I Were A Voice
In late 2040s Manila, Wax and Phil’s dying relationship is shaken by a family member's transient arrival. As they accommodate this estrangement, they find a final push to retrace an old desire—to feel.
Tomorrow, To Feel
Two mothers strive to live a life of hope and strength while carrying the unbelievable pain of losing their husband and child to Rodrigo Duterte’s vicious war on drugs.
Mama
Through dreamy textures and thermal imaging, the film hums with quiet longing, lost signals, and the strange intimacy of distance.
My Dad is an Astronaut
With the Sports City Meet fast approaching, the pressure is on for Kapatiran National High's sepak takraw team to secure their fourth consecutive championship. The arrogant team captain Kyle (17) is forced to work with Carl (15), their second-best striker, and long-time trainee Jake (16). The trio must overcome their differences and rediscover the true meaning of sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect.