Catalino Ortiz Brocka was one of the Philippines' greatest film directors, known for his socially relevant works that earned both local and international acclaim. Born into poverty and overcame hardships like abuse and an incomplete education. He launched a career that produced masterpieces like "Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" (1975) and "Insiang" (1976) which exposed poverty and injustices that became the first Philippine film screened at Cannes. The impact of his films were widely renowned and critically acclaimed world wide and was even studied in film schools. 

His films focused on the lives of marginalized sectors, addressing the country’s issues such as, opposing the Marcos dictatorship and refusing to make pro-regime films. He co-founded the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) and continued fought for censorship. His final films "Ora Pro Nobis" (1989) and "Gumapang Ka sa Lusak" (1990) continued confronting those in power. Lino was recognized with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 and declared National Artist in 1997. He tragically died from a car accident in 1991 but his legacy still continues with his films that exposed the reality and truth of society while fighting expression of freedom and awareness.