Biography
As a filmmaker, Dexter Hemedez's passion lies in crafting stories that resonate with the experiences of Asian immigrants, much like himself. One of his recent achievements was the release of the half-hour, seven-episode Asian-American queer series called "STAY," which he directed, produced, wrote, and edited. Since its release in July 2023, it has garnered a total of 2.5 million views on YouTube alone. The overwhelming response from the audience was truly heartening, with many calling it a masterpiece!
Another milestone in Dexter's career was the feature film he directed, wrote, and produced, titled "First Semester." The film not only received critical acclaim but also earned major awards at various international film festivals. It was even screened at the prestigious American Film Institute, a moment of immense pride for him.
In 2021, Dexter had the chance to once again direct, write and produce a family drama titled "The Reliever." This project was close to his heart, as it centered around the story of a young Filipino American, forced to take care of a grumpy, bed-ridden patient after his undocumented father got detained at Los Angeles Airport. It won the Best Short Film award at the Glendale International Film Festival.
During the challenging times of 2020, Dexter channeled his creativity into an award-winning animated short film titled "Happiness Isn't Cancelled." It was an emotional journey, and he was grateful that the film resonated with families and children worldwide, offering comfort amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Before embarking on filmmaking journey, Dexter was an Episode Writer for ABS-CBN Network, where he had the privilege of being part of some of the most successful and top-rated television series like "Be Careful With My Heart," "Rosalka," "Maria La Del Barrio," "Only You," and "Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita."
Through his works, Dexter aims to bring immigrant stories to the forefront, shedding light on our unique struggles, triumphs, and the rich tapestry of cultures. It's both a privilege and a responsibility to share these narratives with the world, and he is committed to continuing this creative journey, uplifting the voices of my community, and fostering greater understanding and empathy through the power of storytelling.
