Jeff Balsamo
Directing
Biography
Jeff D. Balsamo is a self-taught filmmaker from Mindanao whose work is rooted in a deep commitment to uncovering stories often overlooked or unheard. Jeff discovered a passion for filmmaking and storytelling that ultimately reshaped his creative path. His background in technology sharpened his eye for structure, detail, and experimentation, qualities that now shape the distinct visual and narrative language present in his films. His works are often engaged in sociopolitical dynamics which his current program BA Sociology greatly influenced his cinema. His most recent work “Salbabida” is a socio-political narrative short film which won 2nd Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Screenplay, and Best sound editing in Palakasan 2026 Microshort Film Festival in MSU-IIT. Another project of his called “Ang Mga Bag-ong Anito” was officially selected for the Active Vista Trese Human Rights Festival in 2025, of which he was the Cinematographer, Editor, and Sound Editor. In the same role in 2024, he won Best Film, as well as Best Cinematography in the DOST Indiesiyensya Film Festival for their short documentary “eksmen”. Which was also in the official selection for Know Your North Film Festival in 2025, Cinema Rehiyon, and Dokyumentado. Beyond these works, Jeff continues to broaden his creative range through music videos, narrative films, and experimental pieces. He is currently working as a filmmaker with Alex&B. Creative Studio and Dalumat Film Productions, where he works on projects that span commercial, cultural, and independent storytelling. Each project reflects his curiosity and his dedication to discovering new ways to express truth, emotion, and memory through the screen. As he continues to grow as a filmmaker, Jeff remains committed to elevating Mindanao voices, expanding his craft, and shaping films that resonate within and beyond the communities that inspire him.
Known For
In a world where words and colors collide, two souls find solace in their shared passion for art, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that illuminates the beauty of their own narratives.
Alampat
At low tide, just near the water line on a quiet beach, two boys build a sandcastle together. They take turns tamping the sand, creating tension against the rising tide that gradually dismantles their creation. What began as simple play has drifted into a haunting allegory about power, labor, and the illusion of safety – who are the people that keep these systems afloat?
Life Buoy
In a city drowning in campaign posters and noise, a madman believes the coming election will bring the end of the world. He sees signs everywhere from rituals, strange dancers, and the blind excitement of the crowd. As people cheer for their leaders, he tries to warn them. No one listens. The election ends. Nothing changes. The poor stay poor. Was he wrong, orr was he the only one who saw the truth?
Mga Bag-ong Anito
A handmade spear, oval mask, and single makeshift fin is all that a Sama Dilaut diver needs to brave the waters—scouting seafloors bare with breaths held. Eksmen entails the extraordinary diving ability of Badjaos (Sama Dilaut) in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, in which a similar case has sparked inspiration in biological and physio-ecological research. The sea is their home and source of livelihood, but as they voyage to the open waters, bits of their culture is swept by the passing tides of time. A question lingers: should the Sama Dilaut cling to their ways of life, or should their adaptive nature be utilized to instead keep up with the fast-paced society? Uncover the hidden, revolutionary potential of indigenous breath hold diving, and plunge into the abyss where culture and science intertwine.