“GomBurZa”, the compelling historical film produced by JesCom Films and MQuest Ventures of MediaQuest, in cooperation with CMB Film Services, is going global, as the most-awarded entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) makes its debut on Netflix this April 9th.
The online streaming giant announced the exciting development on its Facebook page last March 21, with the official release date slated on the commemoration of “Araw ng Kagitingan” (National Day of Valor)—a fitting tribute to the heroic tale of martyred priests, Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, who were unjustly executed in 1872 by the Spanish Colonial Government.
“From the very start, our goal was to show the film to the Filipino audience, hence our participation in the MMFF. But with Netflix, we are now given a new platform to share the story of GomBurZa to the rest of the world,” acknowledged GomBurZa Producer and JesCom Creative Driector, Ms. Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin of the film’s inclusion to the leading streaming service.
“After our first major film ‘Ignacio de Loyola’, GomBurZa is our biggest media product to achieve widespread distribution on a global scale,that is why this presents such a great opportunity to reach more Filipino viewers worldwide.”
Also making their Netflix premiere are “GomBurZa’s” fellow MMFF 2023 entries, comedy “Becky and Badette” (April 4), horror-mystery “Kampon” (April 18), family drama “Family of Two” (June 1), along with action-fantasy “Penduko” (June 7), followed by “Mallari” (June 21). Romance flick “Rewind” previously joined the platform last March 25th.
“GomBurZa” garnered the most awards among the 10 competing entries of the 49th MMFF, clinching the honor of “Second Best Picture,” along with the Best Director plum for Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno and Best Actor nod for Cedrick Juan.
“GomBurZa” went on to dominate across categories, securing Best Cinematography (Carlo Mendoza), Best Production Design (Ericson Navarro), Best Sound Design (Albert Michael Idioma, Janina Minglanilla, and Emilio Sparks), and the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.
“GomBurZa’s” overwhelming MMFF triumph last year was particularly noteworthy for Jesuit Communications, as the media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province primarily recognized for its religious and educational programs, firmly etched its name amongst the pillars of the Philippine film industry. The addition of “GomBurZa” to Netflix’s vast library of acclaimed international films, stands as a testament to the world-class filmmaking quality and prowess of JesCom’s dedicated production team led by Creative Director Ms. Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin, and Production Manager Ms. Ernestine Tamana.
“GomBurZa’s” masterful storytelling of how the iconic priestly trio propelled the fight toward independence, has since sparked a genuine desire in the viewing public to rediscover the true origins of Filipino nationhood that in turn, led to multiple block screenings, in cinemas and schools across the country, which soon carried over to theatrical releases in the USA and the United Arab Emirates.
As the “biggest historical film of the new decade” finally goes worldwide on Netflix, “GomBurZa’s” timeless messages of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice will indeed keep the fervor burning in the hearts of Filipinos—wherever they may be.
For more news and updates on “GomBurZa”, follow the film’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GomBurZaFilm
