Addressing Essential Problems through Filipino Films: Zig Dulay and his Thought-provoking, Heartfelt, and Authentic Portrayal of Filipino Narratives
Written by: John Russel Capule
March 30, 2025
Filipino cinema has always had the unique ability to reflect the heart and soul of Filipino society. Through captivating storytelling, vibrant visuals, and raw emotions, Filipino films have served as platforms to showcase the realities of life in the Philippines. Among the many filmmakers who have contributed to this is award-winning director Zig Dulay, whose works are known for their depth, authenticity, and courage in addressing essential social issues. Dulay's films are a thoughtful exploration of the Filipino experience, blending the narratives with thought-provoking, heartfelt, and honest portrayals of a deeply human story.
Courtesy: Tatler Asia
Zig Dulay is a director and writer whose films offer much more than just entertainment; they serve as a medium for social discourse. Dulay’s films always have this ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level. His films resonate with viewers basically because they are grounded in reality, as they address not only personal struggles but also societal issues and concerns. One of the strengths of Direk Zig is his skill in portraying the complexities of relationships. His characters are not mere stereotypes but real individuals who journey through life in its highs and lows. By focusing on these intimate aspects of Filipino life, Dulay was able to humanize the social issues he addresses, making them relatable for the viewers and making them relatable for the Filipinos.
Courtesy: Greenbones (2024)
Courtesy: Firefly (2023)
His cinematic works also often highlight the struggles of ordinary Filipinos, from the challenges of poverty, family dynamics, and marginalized communities to the power of love and human resilience. These elements can be observed in his recent films, namely The Firefly (2023) and The Green Bones (2024)
Courtesy: GMA Pictures
Firefly is a deeply emotional film that explores love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son. The story follows a young boy who, after losing his mother, sets out to fulfill her final wish and to return the ashes to her childhood home. The film beautifully portrays the genuineness and purity of a love that showcases a mother-son bond. It depicts a love that inspires people to have the strength to face life's uncertainties and persevere even in moments of fear. This movie is undoubtedly crafted with love, as every aspect of the movie radiates the essence of love itself.
Courtesy: IMDb
On the other hand, Green Bones is a Philippine prison drama that cuts deep into the gray areas of morality and redemption. The story revolves around a convicted murderer nearing parole. The film’s strength lies in its ability to humanize individuals often marginalized in society, providing another perspective on their struggles and experiences. The narrative effectively highlights the importance of hearing both sides of the story, encouraging empathy and understanding. The film delivers a powerful message about the potential for personal transformation, reminding us that change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.
It shows how it robs people of their freedoms and liberties because of the people in power who act in this world all for themselves. It is able to depict the despair of poverty and inequality. This is a film about hope, kindness, empathy, and understanding.
According to Evita Jimenez-Tuazon (2025), Green Bones is an honest, moving film for all who still believe that justice, human rights, and redemption should matter most in life, as it spoke about PDL or people deprived of liberty, crime and punishment, drugs and corruption, privilege, and marginalization, and imprisoned individuals wronged by a poor justice system where money and connections count more than our moral values as human beings.
Courtesy: Green Bones (2024)
Firefly (2023) and Greenbones (2024) have a similar tone as they share the same emotional level and focus on human relationships. Both films show that Dulay is a director who can tackle different genres and themes while staying true to his ability to create deeply human stories. Aesthetically, it was visually appealing, creating an intimate and grounded aesthetic for the audience to feel the depth of the story. Both blend stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling, creating films that resonate deeply with their audience. Zig Dulay is indeed a director who knows how to tell a story that sticks with you. Whether it’s the intense drama of Greenbones or the quiet emotional depth of Firefly, Dulay knows how to draw out complex emotions and make you care about the characters on screen. Addressing societal issues is often approached with boldness and sensitivity. Dulay’s films are not just about raising awareness; they are about sparking change and starting conversations. Through these films, we see the impact of these issues on individuals and society. It can serve as a tool for advocacy, encouraging viewers to reflect on their roles in society and to take action in whatever way they can.
Courtesy: Pep.ph
Dulay’s stories are a celebration of Filipino resilience and a call to action. Through his work, he shows that cinema has the power to reflect, challenge, and change society. As stated by Zig Dulay himself in one of his speeches, "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.”
References:
Mendoza, R. (2024) on PEP.ph blog post about Zig Dulay https://www.pep.ph/news/local/184435/zig-dulay-actors-director-a748-20241214?s=q6n008eacle9htuue3tgjhf6ea
Inocencio, S. (2024) on Filmmaker Zig Dulay is bringing Filipino soul to the global screen with depth and heart
https://www.tatlerasia.com/gen-t/leadership/zig-dulay-filipino-soul-global-screen?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0RhGcsHjFAW5x2PY1Cy4PHf2y9COVIPetBt2lCMEu8io_D_Ztx-09MLMc_aem_gZa8oZ0MrM8izq9dYgPLbg