Catalino Ortiz Brocka was born on April 3, 1939. Brocka had
a rough start as his father was killed in a political murder, which led his
family to flee to his relatives where they experienced abuse. This experience
was significant as he would carry it throughout his career. Despite his misfortunes, he thrived in his education when he won a scholarship in University of the Philippines. He initially majored a pre-law course, but dropping it and chose literature instead. He also join had done
missionary work before turning into the film industry.
His films were themed on social injustice and drama; it depicts the suffering of the Filipino people, highlighting oppression and neglect. His films also focused on the marginalized and ignored sectors of the society including LGBT+, prostitutes, slum dwellers, and the like—themes that other directors didn’t dare to touch. During the Marcos regime, he created films that depict the Marcos dictatorship, which he was forced to smuggle outside the country. He is considered to be the greatest and legendary director in the industry. He won a total of 19 awards and 22 nominations, including six Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for Best Director. He was also awarded the National Artist Award posthumously in 1997.
sources:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0110653/bio
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/lino-brocka-the-philippines-greatest-director/