As the curtains rise on the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, anticipation rises for a new historical masterpiece destined to rekindle the flames in the hearts of its audiences — “GOMBURZA.”
Dubbed as the biggest historical film of the new decade, “GOMBURZA” is set to reawaken the Filipinos’ burning passion for national justice, equality, truth, and independence as it presents a cinematic presentation of the fateful lives and martyrdom of the three Catholic priests – Fr. Mariano Gomes, Fr. Jose Burgos, and Fr. Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA).
Produced by JesCom Films, the producer of the award-winning film “Ignacio De Loyola” (2016), and MQuest Ventures of MediaQuest, in cooperation with CMB Film Services, “GOMBURZA” sheds light on a crucial chapter in Philippine history — emphasizing the significant roles the three martyred priests played during the Spanish colonial period.
“GOMBURZA” presents the noble vision of internationally acclaimed director Pepe Diokno, together with renowned thespians Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan, and Enchong Dee who play the titular roles, respectively.
Said Dante, “Kailangan mapanood ito ng mga kabataan ngayon.”
“It is timely, relevant,” added Enchong. “We have to do our part to keep nationalism alive.”
“We all made an effort to capture not only the essence but the truth about what transpired all those years ago,” Cedrick related.
The story revolves around the time when Padre Pedro Peláez (played by Piolo Pascual) began and led the secularization movement.
Through this movement, the priests inspired the educated middle class as well as the liberal intellectuals and students, including the brother of Jose Rizal, Paciano Mercado (portrayed by Elijah Canlas).
The advocacy for the Filipinization of the Church continued despite the eventual execution of Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora.
Note their execution in 1872 inspired Jose Rizal, going on to dedicate his novel “El Filibusterismo” to the three.
National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquín said, “If there is a date we can designate as the beginning of a nationalist consciousness, it is February 17, 1872.”
The powerhouse cast also includes: Khalil Ramos, Ketchup Eusebio, Epy Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Tommy Alejandrino, Neil Sese, Arnold Reyes, Nanding Josef, Paolo O’Hara, Sue Prado, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Sheenly Gener, Elora Españo, and more.
The film is also the second collaboration of Diokno with multi-awarded cinematographer Carlo Canlas Mendoza.
“GOMBURZA” opens on December 25 as an official entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival.
