Cover Acclaimed filmmaker and director Zig Dulay (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
Acclaimed filmmaker and director Zig Dulay (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
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From thought-provoking dramas to enchanting fantasies, Zig Dulay is reintroducing the Filipino narrative to the world
Cinema often glosses over the intricacies of culture by prioritising commercial appeal, but this filmmaker shines as a source of authenticity and depth. Renowned for his heartfelt and authentic portrayal of Filipino narratives, Zig Dulay blends local experiences spanning different regions in the Philippines, bringing Filipino culture to the forefront of global cinema.
Born and raised by his farmer parents in the far-flung province of Isabela, Dulay ensures that each of his films is a story about the heart of life, capturing its beauty, complexities, and indomitable spirit. Through his works, including the critically acclaimed series Maria Clara at Ibarra and the award-winning film Firefly, Dulay entertains, educates and inspires, ensuring that the Filipino soul resonates universally.
In recognition of his significant contributions to arts and culture in television and film, Dulay was honoured with The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2024 award, an accolade highlighting his dedication to authentic storytelling and his impact on Philippine cinema.
“Being part of TOYM is a huge honour for me. It’s not just an award for excellence, but about the purpose that excellence serves for others. It’s not just about how well you craft a film or series, but how your art can be used—not just for yourself, but for the greater good. The value of excellence doubles, even triples, when it exists for something beyond the self,” Dulay says in his heartfelt acceptance speech in Filipino.
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When I first experienced cinema, I wanted to create something similar that would impact other people. I was still young then. I didn’t know if I could become a filmmaker, what course to take, or how to enter the industry. Our province was so far away from my dream of becoming a filmmaker. So, I put aside that dream and focused on journalism until filmmaking found me again in college.
A film can provoke thoughts and ideas or start a discourse on essential problems from the individual to the society. I like realism in movies because the approach to the scenes is naturalistic and organic. I usually root my films in the cultural and regional narratives of Filipinos. I’m a fan of using vernacular language and showing the landscapes. The story of the place is also essential, not just the characters. The place is also a character. It has its own story. In my work, I always strive to be socially relevant and show the condition of being indigenous and Filipino.
I learn whenever I challenge myself by doing things outside my comfort zone. When I took on the fantasy genre for Firefly, despite my preference for realism, I knew it was time to challenge myself to make something new. In fantasy, your imagination should be more twisted, your storytelling creativity is challenged, and you have CGI and visual effects—I struggled with that. But it's good that I know my weaknesses in a way that I still have much to learn.
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One of the most unforgettable moments of my career was at the 2015 Ajyal Youth Film Festival in Doha, Qatar. I felt like a David against Goliaths. It seemed impossible to win, yet we did. Hearing Bambanti (Firefly) called out for Best Film was surreal. Even more surreal was seeing the Filipinos there cheering us on. The Filipinos who were there were guards, waiters and caterers. They were just on the side, but they all went to the bottom of the stage when we won.
One said, “It’s good that a Filipino won to show the world what we can do.” At that moment. I realised I was not just a filmmaker for myself but for the country. It showed that even against more significant, more expensive films, our authentic and heartfelt storytelling could stand out and win.
As long as you hit the authenticity, the essence of the Filipino narrative, no matter what genre it is, the soul will keep coming out. Once you hit the soul of being Filipino in your story, it will resonate with you and others. No matter what genre you’re making, be open-minded, sincere and honest in developing your characters. Even if it’s an individual story, the representation of the Filipino soul becomes universal. It may be a story of a specific place or a society, but it will still be a story of the country. Being authentic in representing the culture will bring out the human experience and resonate with others.
I’m exploring new genres—mystery, science fiction and virtual reality. I’m working on a mystery-drama series about women’s empowerment and portraying the difference between rich and poor; it’s about who can speak the truth. I’m also working on a short film about a highly sociopolitical issue, martial law, blending it with sci-fi and virtual reality. My goal remains the same: to tell authentic Filipino stories.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
