about us

Papaya Film Productions (PFP) is a Manila-based documentary production company specializing in producing and directing compelling stories from South East Asia. Driven by social, cultural, political issues and love for filmmaking, we strive to make engaging films that capture the complexity and nuances of real life. Producing films that are raw, intimate, and creative.

PABELLE MANIKAN

Director, editor, producer

Pabelle Manikan is the founder of Papaya Film Productions (PFP). She is an independent documentary film director, editor, and creative producer based in Manila. Her first documentary short, Bukang Liwayway (2012), was screened at various film festivals such as the Cinemalaya Film Festival and CIDFF. Her first full-length documentary, Dreaming in the Red Light (2020), a co-production between the Philippines and France, has been screened in Southeast Asia, the US, and Europe. She has also edited several full-length documentaries that have won documentary awards, including those from FAMAS, Busan International Film Festival, QCinema, and more.

WENA SANCHEZ

Director, producer, writer

Wena is the resident producer of Papaya Film Productions (PFP). She graduated with a degree in Film from UP Film Institute. Her first full-length film Nick and Chai (2014) won Best Picture at the Qcinema Film Festival 2014 and was screened at IDFA, Busan, and many other festivals. She then made a personal documentary All Grown Up (2018) which screened in 21 cinemas around Metro Manila and won the FAMAS award for Best Documentary in 2019. Her mission is to create authentic Asian stories and bring them to Europe and the rest of the world.