Born and raised in Las Piñas, Johnsep Mari Abode (born February 24, 2005) is a filmmaker currently pursuing a BA in Digital Film at Mapúa University Makati and is set to graduate in mid-2026. He tells socially relevant stories and often focuses on the bittersweet aspects of everyday life. Johnsep made his directorial debut with the short documentary Oda Kay Papa, which won Best Picture in the Documentary Category at Cinemandirigma XII and the People’s Choice Award at Cine-U’s 18th Annual Film Festival. The film was also selected as a finalist in the Documentary Category of Sinepiyu 17, CineMapúa 2025, Sine Tomasino 2026, and the 37th Gawad Alternatibo. His experimental film, To The Ones We’ve Loved Forever, also earned recognition as a finalist at Sine Tomasino, Pelikuha 2026, and the 38th Gawad Alternatibo. He dreams of becoming an effective filmmaker and storyteller, creating stories that leave a lasting impact and one day earn recognition from prestigious film award-giving bodies.
