Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan, an Igorot filmmaker from La Trinidad, Benguet, is quickly becoming a notable figure in Filipino cinema. At just 28 years old, he has already achieved international recognition. His latest short film, "Vox Humana," a sci-fi drama about an eccentric biologist interviewing a wild man, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year. This film is one of four Filipino-made movies being showcased at TIFF, alongside "Sunshine," "Viet and Nam," and the classic "Bona" by Lino Brocka.
TIFF has acknowledged Don's unique style, describing him as "one of Filipino cinema's most remarkable talents" and noting that "Vox Humana" is his "boldest vision yet: an utterly distinctive blend of science-fiction allegory and existential drama that yields a profound enquiry into human interconnectedness."
Growing Up in the Cordilleras
Don's journey as a filmmaker is deeply connected to his Igorot heritage and the Cordilleran mountains, where he grew up. These surroundings had a strong influence on his creative process. Reflecting on his childhood, Don shared how the environment shaped his thoughts and inspired his work:
"The sights and sounds are comforting and special-allowing me the space to ruminate from an early age about the land and the sacrifices that fortified it."
This bond with the land was further reinforced during his school years, where indigenous culture was a constant part of his education. Don explained:
"[Regardless of whether] they were Catholic or Christian institutions, deep indigenous values and culture were ingrained (on us, the students). Teachers and staff would remind us of our ancestry each and every chance they would get."
As a child, Don was shy and often kept to himself. He found comfort in exploring his surroundings, particularly in Centermall, a popular shopping center in Baguio. It was here, among the daily routines of the city's residents, that he developed a keen sense of observation, which would later become a vital aspect of his filmmaking.
Don described these early experiences with clear, vivid detail:
"Waiting in lines that stretch as long as the building itself, often wrapping around in corners. This became my routine daily, seeing the sun come down through the tight alleyways and overflowing power lines, often hearing the blaring country music from boom boxes, and avoiding betel nut spit on the ground."
These everyday experiences sharpened his intuition and helped him develop the ability to create stories, not just from what he saw and heard around him, but from the people he observed.
Films Shaped by Id+entity
Don's films often focus on characters who are searching for their place in the world, a theme that resonates with his own experiences growing up. His previous works, such as "Hilum" and "Headhunter's Daughter," explore complex stories of identity and belonging. "Hilum" tells the story of a young woman seeking a shaman to cure her inability to cry, while "Headhunter's Daughter," which won the Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, follows an aspiring singer's journey as she leaves her family to pursue her dreams in the city.
Don is deliberate about incorporating native identities into his films, whether or not the storyline directly addresses indigeneity. He emphasized:
"Due to my upbringing, all of my films feature native identities, no matter if it's a film about indigeneity or not."
As he embarks on creating his first full-length feature, "Hum," Don continues to draw from his cultural roots. "Hum" is inspired by an ancient Ifugao folktale that his ancestors used to explain the sound of thunderstorms. For this project, Don aims to cast actors with a Cordilleran background, highlighting his commitment to authenticity and representation.
"One of tribal descent or grew up in the northern indigenous regions," Don noted. "While I have a few professional actors in mind to portray our main characters... I am interested in getting to know performers in our industry who share a Cordilleran background as well. Many local actors from the region are very talented so they are definitely in the pool of performers that I would like to involve in the casting process of the film."
Staying True to His Roots
Although Don is now based in the United States, his connection to the Cordillera remains strong. His films continue to reflect the land and culture that shaped him, portraying the region through the lens of his memories and experiences.
"The land inspired me to portray it as how I saw it growing up there, and I want to show it honestly and through memories," Don shared.
Continuing the Igorot Legacy in Film
Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan's work is a powerful example of how cultural heritage can influence and shape artistic expression. Through his films, he brings the stories of the Igorot and the Cordillera to the world, ensuring that these narratives are told with authenticity and a deep connection to the people and places that inspire them.
As Don continues to gain recognition in the international film scene, his dedication to representing his roots remains steadfast, promising a bright future for Cordilleran and Igorot cinema.
