First film about GomBurZa wins big at MMFF 2023

Historical biopic “GomBurZa” won big at the recently concluded Gabi ng Parangal of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on December 27.

GomBurZa garnered 2nd Best Picture award with Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno as Best Director ang Cedrick Juan, who played the role of Padre Jose Burgos, as the festival’s Best Actor.

The film also received Best Cinematography (Carlo Mendoza), Best Production Design (Ericson Navarro), Best Sound Design (Albert Michael Idioma, Janina Minglanilla, Emilio Sparks) and the coveted Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.

Produced by Jesuit Communications Films, GomBurZa was the first movie about the three Filipino priests who were executed on February 17, 1872 which further inspired nationalists to pursue independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Veteran actor Dante Rivero played the role of Bacoor parish priest Padre Mariano Gomes, while versatile young actor Enchong Dee portrayed Pandacan-born curate Padre Jacinto Zamora.

Seasoned actor Piolo Pascual was also in the film in a brief special role as the recognized founder of the Filipino secularization movement, Padre Pedro Pelaez.

GomBurZa is still showing in more than 100 theaters nationwide until January 7, 2024. (Lem Leal Santiago/RCAM-AOC | Photo from GOMBURZA Facebook Page)

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