What people have been calling the biggest historical film of the new decade garnered multiple accolades at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal.
GomBurZa, the epic film about Philippine history’s three martyred priests, bagged the major awards for Best Actor, Best Director, 2nd Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, and received the special Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award – a testament to how this cinematic masterpiece has earned the nod of film critics and the viewing public.
A teary-eyed Cedrick Juan, who gave a moving portrayal of Fr. Jose Burgos, received his Best Actor award as he expressed his gratitude to the people who believed in him and to the theater circuit that helped mold him as an actor.
Internationally acclaimed director Pepe Diokno accepted the Best Director award as he acknowledged the invaluable support given by each and everyone who helped him helm GomBurZa into the thought-provoking and emotionally stirring film that gave Filipinos a deeper understanding of how the nation was formed through the struggles and martyrdom of Fathers Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.
Dante Rivero and Enchong Dee were also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for their respective portrayal of Fr. Gomes and Fr. Zamora.
The titular performances of the film’s three leads, combined with Direk Pepe’s mastery in visual storytelling, GomBurZa has elicited impressive feedback among moviegoers for its poignant portrayal of history, nationalism, and the indomitable spirit of ‘Los Filipinos.’
After its win, more cinemas are showing GomBurZa throughout the duration of the Metro Manila Film Festival, which runs until Jan. 7.