Enzo Williams
Enzo Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Filipino American |
| Alma mater | Los Angeles City College |
| Occupation(s) | Director, Filmmaker |
Enzo Williams is a Filipino-American film and television director and producer, best known for his work on historical dramas, action films, and top-rating television series in the Philippines. He gained national acclaim with his directorial debut, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014), a biographical film about Filipino revolutionary leader Andrés Bonifacio. The film received critical praise and won three Best Picture awards from the Metro Manila Film Festival, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), and the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. Williams is a two-time Best Director awardee, having earned accolades from both FAMAS and PMPC. He further cemented his status in Philippine television history by directing the hit ABS-CBN series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Under his direction, the show broke ratings records and became the longest-running and most successful primetime series in the country. Expanding his portfolio, Williams also directed Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, a continuation of GMA Network’s flagship fantasy franchise, Encantadia. In addition to his creative work, he currently serves as the chief executive officer of Wingate Entertainment, a film and television production company..[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Enzo Williams was born in Manila, Philippines, where he developed an early interest in film and visual storytelling. At the age of nine, he knew he wanted to become a filmmaker. In pursuit of that goal, he moved to the United States to study at Los Angeles City College, known for its strong film and television program. As part of his thesis, Williams directed CAIN, which won Best Film in 2012 and helped establish his reputation as a promising filmmaker.
Career
[edit]Williams made his directorial debut with Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014), a historical biopic about Filipino revolutionary leader Andrés Bonifacio. Notably, he directed Bonifacio just a year after finishing film school, showcasing his early talent and ambition. He was perceived as a brave filmmaker for his first feature film because he challenged Philippine history by declaring Bonifacio as the country’s first president. The film received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, establishing Williams as a promising figure in Philippine cinema. He demonstrated his versatility as a director with his next two films. In 2016, he directed The Escort, an erotic thriller that became a nationwide box-office success. This was followed by A.W.O.L. (2017), a military action film produced in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The film was noted for contributing to the revival of the action genre in the country. In 2019, Williams directed Mga Mata sa Dilim, a thriller that premiered exclusively on iWant TV, the digital streaming platform of ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest television network. The film was part of the launch lineup of iWant TV, marking Williams’ first major release on a digital platform. Following his work in film, Williams transitioned to television directing. His first TV series was Ang Probinsyano, a primetime ABS-CBN show that became one of the longest-running and most popular Filipino TV series, widely regarded as a cultural phenomenon. He directed the series for two consecutive years. Williams later moved to GMA Network, where he directed Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Miss for three seasons. The mini-series earned him the Best Mini Series award at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. He then directed Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre (2024–2025) for GMA Network, a highly anticipated fantasy drama and continuation of the iconic Encantadia franchise. The series received widespread acclaim for its production quality, storytelling, and visual effects, further establishing Williams’ credibility as a leading director in Philippine television. His success with Sanggre reinforced his unique position as the only director to have led major franchise projects for both of the country’s two biggest networks, ABS-CBN and GMA.
Political views
[edit]Driven by a strong sense of responsibility toward his country, Enzo Williams is deeply engaged in Philippine social and political issues. Known for his bold and impactful approach, he uses his filmmaking skills to challenge established historical narratives. He has directed campaign materials for three Philippine presidents: Joseph Estrada (13th), Rodrigo Roa Duterte (16th), and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (17th).
In 2016, Williams gained widespread recognition for directing Duterte’s Last Christmas ad, which became popular and trended worldwide due to its bold and unconventional approach—an unusual and impactful move for a presidential campaign. The ad is credited with helping Duterte win the presidency
In 2019, he was instrumental in reshaping the campaign strategy and materials for senatorial candidate Imee Marcos, aiding in her successful election. He later directed campaign content for winning senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, who would become Senate President, and Robin Padilla. His viral advertisement for Padilla during the final week of the 2022 elections played a significant role in Padilla securing the highest number of votes nationwide.
In recognition of his contributions, Enzo Williams was honored with the San Juanejo Achievement Award, a distinguished accolade from his hometown of San Juan given annually to a single individual for outstanding achievements.
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo | |
| 2016 | The Escort | |
| 2017 | AWOL | |
| 2019 | Mga Mata sa Dilim |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Network |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | ABS-CBN |
| 2023 | Maging Sino Ka Man | GMA Network |
| 2023–2024 | Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis |
References
[edit]- ^ Marinel Cruz (6 July 2020). "How not be afraid to return to filming under new normal". Inquirer. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
Sources
[edit]- FULL LIST: Nominees, FAMAS Awards 2015
- FULL LIST: Winners, Star Awards for movies 2015
- FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2014 awards night
- Teachers Groups Say Bonifacio Movie Real History