Enzo Williams
Enzo Williams is a Filipino filmmaker.
Early life and education
Williams spent his childhood weekends watching movies, and at the age of nine he knew that he wanted to become a filmmaker.
Career
After winning the best film at Los Angeles City College film school in 2012, Enzo Williams returned to Manila in 2014 and directed his first feature film, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo. It became one of the biggest and most awarded films in Philippine cinema, earning a total of 22 awards, including three for best picture, along with two best director awards: from Star Awards, as well as from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) - the most prestigious film award-giving body in the country. Williams was perceived as a brave filmmaker who challenged Philippine history and declared the story’s protagonist, Andres Bonifacio, as the country's "first true president.”
During the 2016 Philippine elections, Williams directed the highly controversial "Last Christmas” ad for Rodrigo Duterte, which helped him win the presidency. He also directed senatorial ads for Imee Marcos and Migz Zubiri that enabled both candidates secure their respective senatorial bids. He further went on to direct a worldwide promotional ad for the boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in one of his championship fights. His next two films displayed his directorial range: first, with the erotic thriller The Escort, which was a blockbuster hit nationwide; then with the military action film A.W.O.L., which was made in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and helped bring back the action genre to Philippine cinema.
Following his achievements, Williams focused on directing his first TV series, Ang Probinsyano, for two straight years, during which the show reached record-breaking television ratings to become both the longest running and most successful primetime series in the country’s history.
For his numerous achievements, the City Government of San Juan - his hometown - has honored Enzo Williams with the highly-esteemed Excellence Award, given for outstanding contribution in a professional field.
He is currently in pre-production on his next film, Enzo, which is about the beloved international race car champion Enzo Pastor. Williams will again be putting his versatility in display with what will be the first auto-racing film in the country.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo | |
| 2016 | The Escort | |
| 2017 | AWOL | |
| 2019 | Mga Mata sa Dilim |