Zig Dulay’s ‘Black Rainbow’ declared best short in Harlem fest

Scene from “Black Rainbow”

Zig Dulay’s “Black Rainbow,” about a young Aeta boy who dreams of becoming a lawyer, brought home the best short film award from the 2022 Harlem International Film Festival in New York, United States.

“The fact that it was chosen to be screened in an international festival is already more than enough for me, especially since we’re in a middle of a pandemic and it’s difficult to create films. That’s why winning the award is already a big bonus,” Dulay told Inquirer Entertainment on Tuesday.

“Also, it wasn’t just shown to a foreign audience abroad, it was also recognized and awarded for its merits. This means that the story came across successfully, that the situations and experiences of our Aeta brothers were felt and understood by people from different parts of the globe,” he pointed out.

Ron King (left) as Itan

Representations

“Black Rainbow” follows the story of an Aeta boy named Itan. He wants to become a lawyer to protect his community from corporate giants trying to occupy their ancestral lands.

“This recognition will serve as a challenge for me to carry on, to continue creating films that don’t just entertain, but also present issues and situations that Filipinos are experiencing every day. The goal is to create representations, as well as give space and voices to marginalized sectors of our society,” Dulay added. “I consider this award as a dare to make more powerful films that enlighten and liberate the audience.”

The annual event at Harlem ran from May 5 to 15.

The award was received by Dulay’s producers Joyce and James Scott of Uncle Scott Global Productions. Dulay will be attending the 2022 Kas International Short Film Festival in Turkey, where “Black Rainbow” will compete from June 2 to 5.

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