The world of cinema is abuzz with the announcement of Huntress, a historical action drama inspired by the true story of a Filipino guerrilla leader during World War II. Directed by Sam Jamier, a visionary filmmaker and former Executive Director of the New York Asian Film Festival, and produced by Liza Diño, a powerhouse advocate for Southeast Asian cinema, the film promises to be a deeply compelling narrative about resilience, defiance, and the untold stories of women who shaped history.
Huntress is more than just a war story. It highlights the power of collaboration across borders, celebrates Southeast Asian creativity, and calls attention to narratives that have been overlooked for far too long. In an exclusive interview, Sam and Liza shared their insights, challenges, and aspirations for the project.
The inspiration behind Huntress
For Sam, the inspiration for Huntress stemmed from a deep fascination with the untold narratives of World War II in Asia, particularly the role of women in resistance movements.
“Figures like Nieves Fernandez challenge the traditional wartime narrative,” Sam explained to The Global Filipino Magazine. “She wasn’t a trained soldier, yet she became a powerful symbol of resistance through sheer ingenuity and necessity. Her story exemplifies the extraordinary ways individuals can rise against oppression under the harshest circumstances.”
Sam emphasized that Huntress aims to shed light on the bravery and ingenuity of women like Nieves, embodied through the film’s fictional protagonist, Mayari. “This isn’t just the story of one woman; it’s about the many untold stories that echo hers,” he said.
For producer Liza, the project was a natural fit. “Sam and I first connected in 2017 while collaborating through the New York Asian Film Festival,” Liza recalled to The Global Filipino Magazine. “Over the years, I’ve seen his genuine interest in Philippine cinema, particularly in genre films. When he approached me with Huntress, I was immediately drawn to its celebration of unsung Filipino stories with the power to resonate globally.”
Challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asian cinema
Bringing Southeast Asian cinema to a global audience comes with its unique set of challenges. “One of the biggest hurdles is breaking the perception that Southeast Asia is a monolith,” Liza said. “With 11 countries, each with its own distinct culture, it’s tricky to tell a specific story like Huntress, which centers on the Philippines, while ensuring it resonates with diverse audiences.”
However, Liza also highlighted the opportunities that collaboration brings. “Huntress is a product of regional synergy. We’re working with a Vietnamese director of photography, planning post-production in Thailand, and bringing in Filipino talents. This blend of Southeast Asian perspectives allows us to tell a distinctly Filipino story with universal appeal.”
Sam echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. “People often have preconceived notions about Southeast Asian films—either arthouse meditations on rice fields or over-the-top, cheaply produced erotica. What I want is to explore the messy middle ground where real life happens,” he explained. “The goal isn’t to make a film that feels ‘international’ but to create something so specific and honest that it becomes universal.”
Transitioning from advocacy to production
Liza’s journey from promoting Asian cinema to producing films has been transformative. “As the former Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, I focused on creating opportunities for filmmakers. Now, I find myself seeking funding and partnerships for my own projects,” she shared. “It’s humbling but also empowering to be intentional with the stories I choose to tell.”
She sees Huntress as a passion project. “This story captures the grit and resilience of Filipino women during World War II. It’s incredibly fulfilling to bring this nuanced perspective to the global stage,” Liza said.
For Sam, the transition to directing felt like a natural progression. “Working with the New York Asian Film Festival gave me a front-row seat to the uniqueness of Filipino genre cinema,” he said. “When I discovered Nieves Fernandez’s story, it clicked. This underdog narrative is the kind of story I love—one that shines a light on the overlooked, whether it’s historical figures or entire film industries.”
The message of Huntress
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Huntress is a deeply human story of hope, resilience, and empowerment. The film’s protagonist, Mayari, transitions from a teacher to a guerrilla leader, embodying the strength of Filipino women who carried the weight of survival while fighting for freedom.
“This film isn’t just about wartime struggles,” Liza explained. “It’s about how education, cultural traditions, and human connection become tools of resistance. I hope it inspires a deeper appreciation for the untold stories of women who shaped history, even if history forgot them.”
Sam added, “What fascinates me is how stories from the 1940s Philippines feel frighteningly relevant today. When you see civilians resisting in war-torn regions or Kurdish women fighting ISIS, it’s like history rhyming. The tools may have changed, but the core story of resistance remains the same.”
He hopes the film will provoke thought and challenge standard narratives of war. “This isn’t just about World War II—it’s about understanding what it means to stand up against overwhelming force, whether that’s in 1944 or 2025,” Sam said.
Huntress is more than just a film; it’s a collaborative effort that bridges cultures and regions. With its blend of Southeast Asian talent and a story that is both deeply personal and universally relevant, the film seeks to redefine what Southeast Asian cinema can look like on a global stage.
“At its core, Huntress is about courage, defiance, and the resilience of the human spirit,” Liza concluded. “It’s a story that deserves to be told, and we’re honored to bring it to the world.”
