GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), as co-produced with Brightburn Entertainment, is an inspiring piece of drama set in a penal colony.
Titled “Green Bones,” it touches on the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life.
Is it possible to find one in a convict?
Directed by Zig Dulay, the film stars Dennis Trillo as soon-to-be-released prisoner Domingo Zamora.
Domingo was incarcerated for the murder of his sister.
Although, many believe Domingo is already a reformed man, newly assigned prison guard Xavier Gonzaga (as played by Ruru Madrid) believes otherwise.
Jaded from the tragic death of his own sister in a senseless crime, Xavier makes it his personal mission to keep Domingo behind bars.
“Green Bones” marks Dennis’ MMFF comeback.
“Nagustuhan ko ang ‘Green Bones’ dahil iba siya sa mga dati ko nang nagawa,” he said.
“Ako kasi naniniwala ako na kailangan ko na mag-effort in terms of projects na gagawin ko kasi ang tagal ko na dito sa industriya, kailangan may maipakita naman akong bago sa mga tao and I think ‘yung ‘Green Bones’ iba talaga siya. Bago siya for me,” he added.
Dennis invested a lot in bringing his film character to life.
“Nag-aral ako ng sign language para dito,” he intimated. “Dito kasi sa character ko na ‘to, mayroong phase du’n sa kuwento niya na kinailangan niyang mag-sign language. Dahil du’n sa trauma na naramdaman niya, parang ayaw niya muna magsalita.”
He also changed his look for the film including growing an actual beard and losing weight.
For Ruru, “Green Bones” is the product of self-manifestation.
“To be honest, last year, when I was watching ‘Firefly,’ parang nu’ng pinapalabas na ‘yung end credits, bigla ko lang naramdaman, pakiramdam ko next year, magkakaroon ako ng MMFF project. And na-manifest po siya lahat.
“And, you know, it’s very challenging at first because ibang-iba ‘yung telebisyon sa paggawa ng pelikula. But sobrang na-enjoy ko ‘yung proseso at sobrang minahal ko ‘yung panahon na ginugugol namin sa paggawa ng pelikula na ito. Hindi na po ako makapaghintay na mapanood po ito ng sambayanang Pilipino.”
Same as Dennis, he is motivated by the need to offer his audience something new.
“Ako kasi ‘yung tipong tao na I always want to challenge myself. Ayoko ma-stuck sa comfort zone ko. Gusto ko may bago akong mapapakita palagi. With this project, I guess somehow, na-push ako doon sa limits ko.”
Michael de Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Wendell Ramos, and Alessandra de Rossi also star in the movie, with the special participation of Iza Calzado and Nonie Buencamino.
Based on the original concept of GMA Public Affairs’ senior manager for documentaries JC Rubio, Green Bones was written by National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza.
Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens, Kylie Padilla, Pauline Mendoza, Gerhard Acao, Raul Morit, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, and Enzo Osorio complete the film’s star-studded cast.
“Green Bones” is distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures Releasing International.
Catch it in theaters beginning December 25.
