The journey of a filmmaker is often unpredictable, filled with twists, turns, and defining moments that shape both their craft and identity. For nearly two decades, Rjay Javier has navigated the intricate world of filmmaking, transforming his passion into a career that has taken him from the streets of Bacolod to the vibrant film scene of Dubai.
Rjay’s love for film began at the age of 20, armed with a Sony Digicam Mini DV that felt like a portal to endless storytelling possibilities. “I remember the excitement of that first day—just me, the camera, and a new world of possibilities to capture,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. His early interest in music videos led him to document local bands in Bacolod, where he crossed paths with Jonathan Lindaya of Javaskaggs. That encounter led to an opportunity—a workshop at La Salle—that fueled his passion further.
As he immersed himself in filmmaking, Rjay had the rare privilege of being mentored by the legendary Peque Gallaga. He was part of Direk Peque’s apprenticeship class, a formative experience that instilled resilience in him. “When my student film flopped in his class, he said, ‘You might consider getting another course because this field is not for you!’ It hit me hard, but it made me who I am today—a resilient filmmaker.” Even after moving to Dubai, Rjay remained connected with his mentor, sending him his works for feedback. “He would always remind me, ‘Stick to the narratives, don’t lose your way, just follow your script.’ His influence anchored me in filmmaking.”
Leaving his hometown to pursue a career abroad was a leap of faith. In September 2014, he arrived in Dubai with no expectations, only the hope of finding a job related to his passion. “It was tough—no friends around, no late-night drinking sessions; it was purely deserted! Then one day, an offer came, and this time I would not allow it to slip through my fingers.” That opportunity came in the form of a videographer/editor position at an agency. The two years he spent there were instrumental in shaping his skills. “Long nights and relentless challenges were my teachers,” he says, reflecting on the early struggles.
Despite the demands of his full-time job, his passion for filmmaking never waned. He submitted his short film to festivals and, to his amazement, it was selected from submissions spanning 200 countries. The film went on to win Best Director and Best Musical Score at the Dubai Film Festival in 2015, a moment that changed everything. “After receiving the award, opportunities came, and I was dumbfounded by the acceptance of the Filipino community here in Dubai. I received calls and messages from people I didn’t know, offering to collaborate or asking if I could shoot their music videos. It was a surreal feeling.”
Rjay then shifted gears, stepping away from narrative filmmaking to work for a prestigious government entity in Dubai. The experience spanned seven years and deepened his understanding of the medium. However, when he lost that job, he found himself at a crossroads. “Losing a job isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s the universe sending a message—are we still on the path we’re meant to be on, or have we become stuck in a job that isn’t part of our destiny?” Though he considered returning to the Philippines, new opportunities in Dubai soon emerged. One of them was an invitation to the Emirates Film Festival, where his film earned nine nominations and won two awards. “My family is my greatest motivation, which is why I stayed in Dubai. Filmmaking comes second.”
Now working as a full-time freelancer, Rjay is embracing a new era in his career, directing and working as a director of photography for major productions. His creative direction remains steadfast. “My creative direction will always stay where it needs to—it’s rock-solid and only varies depending on how the story unfolds.”
Looking ahead, Rjay is particularly drawn to exploring narratives that highlight cultural intersections, specifically between Filipinos and Emiratis. “I’m actually drawn to the half-Filipino, half-Emirati concept. It’s interesting how two cultures get along with each other and how Filipino culture influences Arab culture, especially in terms of food, hospitality, and traditions.” More than anything, he envisions a future where Filipino filmmakers take center stage in Dubai’s film industry. “I’ve never seen a full production packed with a Filipino crew, so I guess the next era of filmmaking in Dubai will be led by a Filipino crew.”
Through every challenge and triumph, Rjay Javier has remained steadfast in his mission to tell meaningful stories. For him, filmmaking is not just about cameras, fancy gimbals, or big budgets—it’s about discovering oneself. “It’s the process of doing it that will make you a true filmmaker.” And through that process, he continues to shape his legacy, one frame at a time.
