Isaac Ulam (born June 8, 1978, in Blanes, Girona, Spain) is a Spanish multidisciplinary artist recognized for his work as a film director, actor, screenwriter, musician, photographer, visual artist, and producer. He gained recognition for his debut feature film Bronko (2019), which was pre-selected to represent Spain at the 93rd Academy Awards, received 10 nominations at the 2021 Goya Awards, and a nomination for Best Film at the XIII Gaudí Awards.
In 2024, he released BELLESA I DOLOR, recorded at Sol de Sants Studios in Barcelona with drummer Rafael Bernardo Gayol (Leonard Cohen) and Grammy-winning producer Alberto Pérez.
Ulam was born to Alfonso Serrano Bou and Rosa María Calleja de la Fuente, both textile factory workers. His father was also a painter, writer, musician, and yoga instructor who founded the Suryanamaskar Yoga Center in Blanes in 1961. Surrounded by artists, Ulam was exposed to art and philosophy from an early age.
At the age of 17, Ulam met Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño, who lived in Blanes for nearly two decades. The two regularly had conversations about art, literature, and society. Ulam later performed at a tribute to Bolaño in Girona, attended by Patti Smith, Juan Villoro, and Jorge Herralde.
In 2019, Ulam made his directorial debut with Bronko, where he also served as screenwriter, producer, and lead actor. The film premiered at Film Noir Cinema in Brooklyn, New York, and was praised by The New York Times for its unique independent cinema programming. Bronko received awards at international festivals including IndieFEST and Accolade Global Film Competition. Ulam joined notable past recipients such as Liam Neeson, George Clooney, Blake Lively, Susan Sarandon, and Katie Holmes. He also received a nomination for Best Actor at the Maverick Movie Awards and was praised by filmmaker Wilson Pickett for creating “a powerful, poetic, and visceral cinematic experience.”
Ulam’s discography includes Murtra, Ratpenat, and Bellesa i Dolor. His work blends Catalan folk with poetic lyricism and has been described as one of the most extraordinary expressions of contemporary Catalan singer-songwriting. He also performed with renowned artist Pau Riba.
Isaac Ulam continues to develop new music and visual projects. His recent focus has been on creating professional presentations of his work in both physical and digital formats. He is currently exploring ways to bring his art to wider international platforms, through festivals, collaborations, and exhibitions.