Dayas

About This Movie

So, 'Dayas' is a fascinating little gem from 2021 that dives into the everyday lives of two small-scale gold miners, Hacob and Bantay, in Itogon, Benguet. It’s not just about mining; it’s deeply entrenched in the Igorot culture, peeling back layers of tradition and struggle. The film embodies a raw, almost meditative tone that really captures the labor-intensive process of gold extraction—feels almost tactile. The performances are grounded, lending authenticity to their characters’ hardships and aspirations. There’s a certain pacing to it, too, that mirrors the slow grind of their work, kind of makes you reflect on the weight of their reality. Definitely stands out in its approach to practical effects and how it portrays local talent with such respect.

Explores themes of culture and tradition.Candid portrayal of small-scale mining.Unique insight into the Igorot community.