I've known award-winning filmmaker Zig Dulay for more or less, two decades.
It was in controversial Fil-Briton movie maker Jowee Morel's shoots of "Latak (Residue)'' that we crossed paths.
Zig was Jowee's assistant director and I was a publicist of the project who dabbled on it in a minor acting role of a psychiatrist.
From then on, I have observed and kept track of Dulay's career since he embarked in directing small-budget films conveniently referred to as independent or indie filmmaking although his projects were mostly excellently assembled and photographed.
Slowly but surely, Zig was able to pursue of his dreams of making quality however snall films even if they were not recognized although in the advent of Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, he was noticed and his works were awarded like in "Bagahe."
It was acclaimed not only locally but internationally as well.
Still, Zig had to persevere and work within the competitive and consumerist system by coming out with sensible projects, film or TV.
At the rate things are going, though, Dulay is able to realize his dreams of producing logical and well-meaning audio-visual projects against all odds.
This has always been his benchmark in creating new ones like conceptualizing and fleshing out screen ideas like what he did for the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture "Firefly."
Zig germinated the concept of "Firefly" as a dream project.
"The truth is, dreams are hard to reach. There are many obstacles in the way, and it would have been easier to give up. But there are stories that remind us—that it is possible, and we can achieve it, this is the story of FIREFLY," he noted in his Facebook page.
Like a firefly, a dream is always alive and doesn't light out especially at night.
"Tonton's story will remind us of the power of dreams, the magic of love and the power of art.
"The movie is a dream, especially it entered and won the MMFF 2023. It was hard to put together, but it was made easier with the help of the whole team," he articulated.
Zig, in the process, succeeded.
There are many prople he thanked the success of "Firefly" for the men and women of GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs.
He is also gratified with his creative cast and crew.
Dulay reiterated his battle cry: "DON'T GIVE UP, FIGHT FOR YOUR DREAMS."
"Firefly" ends its extended showing of the 2023 MMFF on January 15, as one of its official entries.
Photo Caption: Zig Dulay (Photo Credit: Zig Dulay's Facebook)
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