Award-winning filmmaker Tikoy Aguiluz dies

Esteemed flmmaker Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI has died, his family confirms in a statement issued on Monday, February 19, 2024. Image: Facebook/Directors’ Guild of the Philippines

Revered filmmaker Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI has died, his family confirmed on Monday, Feb. 19.

No cause of death was indicated in his family’s statement. They also said they want to mourn the filmmaker’s death in “private for the time being.” His age was also not disclosed in the statement although Aguiluz was born in 1952, according to his fellow moviemakers

“With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiluz VI or Direk Tikoy to most of us. While we grieve this loss deeply, we kindly ask for your understanding as we choose to mourn in private for the time being,” Aguiluz’s family said.

They added that details about his internment will be shared to the public once they are “ready.”

“We assure you that once we are ready, we will share details about a public service where all who knew and loved Direk Tikoy can join us in paying tribute and saying our final goodbyes,” his family said.

The Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) also paid tribute to the “visionary” filmmaker in their respective social media posts.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our esteemed peer, Direk Tikoy, founder of the Cinemanila International Film Festival and director of ‘Boatman,’ ‘Manila Kingpin,’ and ‘Segurista,’” DGPI wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, the FDCP recognized Aguiluz as one of the “leading figures of Philippine alternative cinema” for his contributions to the industry.

“The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) mourns the passing of Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI,” their social media post read. “The FDCP extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Aguiluz.”

Aguiluz was one of the most prolific directors in Philippine cinema, with his 1996 film “Segurista” chosen as the country’s entry to the Academy Awards. He also bagged the Gawad Urian for Best Director for the film.

According to FDCP, the moviemaker was also given the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres or the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government for his valuable contributions to the film industry.

Apart from “Segurista,” some of Aguiluz’s most notable works include “Rizal sa Dapitan,” “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” and “Tragic Theater.”