Chris Martinez (director)

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]

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]

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.^[15]

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.^[16][17] 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.^[18] 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.^[19][20]

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.”^[21] 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.^[22][23]

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.^[24]

• Last Order sa Penguin (2001)^[39]
• Welcome to Intelstar (2005)^[40]
• Laugh Trip: Dalawang Komedya (2006)
• Our Lady of Arlegui (2007)^[8]

• Ang Singsing-Pari sa Pisara (2014)^[41]