David Kairu Castillo

Biography

David Kairu Castillo (known professionally as Kairu) is a Filipino filmmaker and offline editor from Batanes, Philippines. Born in 2002, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde with a specialization in post-production. Deeply influenced by the breathtaking landscapes of his hometown, Kairu takes inspiration from nature and regional cinema, often focusing on authentic, underrepresented narratives. During his college years, he worked on multiple short films in various capacities—including director, editor, and crew—showcasing his versatility in filmmaking. One of his notable works, Kung Ika’y Makapili (2024), which he directed and edited, was selected as a Top 5 Best Capstone Film and became a finalist at the Montañosa Film Festival 2025. He also served as the offline editor for acclaimed short films such as Forms of Forgetting (2024), Felicisima (2025), and Ang Kabug Aton sa Nangabilin (2025)—all recognized among the Best Capstone Films at Benilde. Kairu is passionate about telling stories that haven’t yet been seen or heard—cinema that gives voice to the unseen and the forgotten.