Emmanuel Dela Cruz, a native of Aparri, Cagayan is a Palanca award-winning screenwriter, creative consultant, theater/film/television director, mentor and actor. He is known for the films My Rebound Girl (2016), Slumber Party (2012), and Sarong Banggi (2005).
He co-created the television hits Pangako Sa'yo and Tabing-Ilog, Scq Reload to name a few. He co-produced Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Endo (UFO Pictures) and Zombadings 1: Patayin Sa Shokot si Remington (Origin8 Media).
His theater work includes Oras Na, Three Rats, Seremonyas, Mga Kuneho, Katabi and Run Marga Run. He won the FAMAS for Kailangan Kita (2002), the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2007 Short Film Best Director for the Marawi-shot Gabon, and the Gawad CCP for Laro (AmBisyon2010).
Currently a film faculty in Asia Pacific Film Institute, Far Eastern University, and the ABS-CBN University Moving Images Academy. He mentors for the UFO Directing Actors Workshop, based on the acting school of respected Hollywood guru, Judith Weston.
He is the founding chairman of the Philippine’s Independent Filmmakers’ Cooperative (IFC), creator of the IndieSine.
His film Slumber Party is part of Cinelokal's LGBT Film Festival Celebration in 2017.