About Jason Tan Liwag
Jason Tan Liwag is a scientist, actor, writer, and film programmer from the Philippines currently based in Manila.
He began his journey into film criticism in 2020 after receiving the mentorship of writers such as Richard Bolisay and National Artist Ricky Lee. In his brief years of writing, his work has been featured in CNN Philippines Life, Rappler, MUBI Notebook, Little White Lies, Screen Slate, Projektor, Senses of Cinema, and Young STAR, among other publications.
Since 2020, he has participated in several prestigious film criticism workshops in Rotterdam, Udine, Yamagata, and Manila and has served as a jury member for several local and international film festivals, including the Taipei Golden Horse Awards. In 2022, he was a selection committee member for QCinema, Gawad Alternatibo, and the Encounters Film Festival. He is the first FIPRESCI member and the first non-HFPA member voter of the Golden Globe Awards from the Philippines. He is also a member of GALECA and a voter for the Dorian Awards.
Jason’s work focuses on amplifying non-dominant narratives and emerging voices, particularly from Southeast Asia. He also explores sociocultural trends and material conditions that affect the accessibility, availability, and critical reception of films and theater. He is drawn to work that explores intimacy and space and examines the intersections of religion, queerness, and grief. He is currently spearheading the development of a monthly space dedicated to Filipino short films and workshops for emerging filmmakers and critics.
In 2020, he was named one of Attitude Magazine’s 101 LGBTQ Trailblazers Changing the World Today. For more of his work, visit his portfolio and his Letterboxd.
