Topel Lee

Topel Lee is a Filipino film and television director and cinematographer, best known for his work in the horror and suspense genres. He has also worked as a music video director.

Early life and education Topel Lee comes from a family of artists. His father, Mon Lee, and uncle, Rox Lee, are animators. Lee studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman and trained in cinematography at the Mowelfund Film Institute under Yam Laranas. After completing his studies, he began working on film projects.

Directorial style Lee is primarily known for his work in the horror genre, often focusing on suspenseful storytelling and technical execution. In describing the challenge of keeping his films fresh, he noted that he researches extensively, watches foreign directors, and consults producers to refine scenes. Lee described his approach to horror and suspense as centered on story, unpredictability, and technical execution. According to Lee, sound, lighting, set design, and other technical aspects are crucial in building tension, and he often incorporates new "surprise devices" to introduce unpredictability.

Although Lee is primarily known for horror films, he has expressed interest in working across different genres.

Filmography Director

Film Year Title Notes 2006 Imahe Nasyon Segment: "Ang Manunulat"; also credited as writer 2006 Shake, Rattle and Roll 8 Segment: "Yaya" 2007 Ouija My Kuya's Wedding Shake, Rattle and Roll 9 Segment: "Engkanto" 2008 Shake, Rattle & Roll X Segment: "Class Picture" 2009 Sundo Wapakman 2010 White House Shake, Rattle and Roll 12 Segment: "Isla" 2011 Tumbok 2012 Amorosa 2014 Basement Also credited with story and concept 2017 Bloody Crayons 2018 The Hopeful Romantic 2020 Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim 2025 Jeongbu

Television Year Title Notes 2007 La Vendetta 2007–2008 Kamandag 2007 My Only LoveSecond director 2008–2009 Gagambino 2008 ObraEpisode 4: "Sapi" 2009 Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang Dear Friend Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin 2009–2010 Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit 2010 Ilumina 2011 Mistaken Identity Carlo J. Caparas' Bangis Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum 2011–2012 Regal ShockerEpisode 1 & 5 2012 Third Eye 2013 Undercover Dormitoryo Kidlat 2014 Confessions of a Torpe Elemento 2015–2016 Parang Normal ActivitySeason 1, Episode 10-13; Season 2, Episode 8-13 2017–2018 Hanggang Saan 2018 Spirits Reawaken 2019 Bukas May Kahapon 2022 The Chosen One: Soap Opera Also served as guest mentor for one episode Larawan, Liko, Lipat Season 1, Episode 1: "Larawan"

Cinematographer Year Title Director(s) Notes 2013 Babagwa Jason Paul Laxamana 2016 Straight to the Heart David Fabros Ang Taba Ko Kasi Jason Paul Laxamana Magtanggol Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez Mercury is Mine Jason Paul Laxamana Kabisera Arturo San Agustin and Real Florido 2017 Across the Crescent Moon Baby Nebrida

Awards and nominations Organization YearNominated Work Category ResultRef. PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2008 Ouija Movie Director of the Year 2013 Amorosa (The Revenge) Indie Movie Director of the Year 2017 Kabisera Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2025 Jeongbu Best Director