The accolades continue to line up for the “biggest historical film of the new decade.”
“GomBurZa”, the award-winning historical film produced by JesCom Films and MQuest Ventures of MediaQuest, in cooperation with CMB Film Services, was hailed yet again, this time receiving 12 nominations for the 47th Gawad Urian.
In a post shared on the official Facebook page of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Filipino Film Critics) last May 9th, “GomBurZa” was nominated for 12 out of 15 total categories laid out by the film critic organization composed of critics, writers, and scholars.
Established in 1976, the Gawad Urian is regarded as the highest award for a film given by critics in the Philippines, often seen as the local counterpart of the United States’ New York Film Critics Circle. The Gawad Urian is also described on its official website as “the Filipino Film Critics’ measure of the artistry and skills of our filmmakers. The award is a symbol of recognition of this ability, but, above all, a symbol of appreciation of the creator’s role toward their medium and toward their audience.”
Headlining “GomBurZa’s” sterling recognitions are nominations for ‘Best Picture’ and ‘Best Director’ for Juan Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno. Cedrick Juan is once again nominated as ‘Best Actor’ for his lead role and compelling portrayal of Padre Jose Burgos, while co-stars Enchong Dee and Mr. Dante Rivero were each nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actor.’ For his special participation as Padre Pedro Pelaez, matinee idol Piolo Pascual also earned a nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor.’
“GomBurZa” also garnered nominations for ‘Best Screenplay’ (Rody Vera and Pepe Diokno), ‘Best Cinematography’ (Carlo Mendoza) and ‘Best Production Design’ (Ericson Navarro). Completing the list are additional nominations for ‘Best Sound’ (Albert Michael Idioma, Emilio Bien Sparks, Janina Minglanilla), ‘Best Editing’ (Benjamin Tolentino), and ‘Best Music’ (Teresa Barrozo).
The exciting news of “GomBurZa’s” dozen nominations for the 47th Gawad Urian comes just days after the film depicting the heroic tale of martyred priests, Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora earned another 12 nominations for the 72nd FAMAS Awards, the oldest and most distinguished award-giving body for Filipino films.
In 2023, “GomBurZa’s” milestone triumph as the most-awarded film among the 10 competing entries of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival brought unparalleled recognition to JesCom’s humble initiative at media evangelization.
Apart from 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), as well as the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.
Last April 9th, as the country celebrated Araw ng Kagitingan (National Day of Valor), “GomBurZa” made its global debut on streaming platform Netflix, where more Filipinos can be inspired by its timeless messages of patriotism, hope, and courage wherever they may be.
The 47th edition of the Gawad Urian will be held this June 8th, 2024, in partnership with De La Salle University (DLSU), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and TVUP. In the meanwhile, JesCom Films, under the guidance of Executive Director Fr. Emmanuel Alfonso SJ, Production Manager, Ms. Ernestine Tamana, and Creative Director, Ms. Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin, extends its congratulations and best wishes to the entire cast, crew, and everyone else who has helped “GomBurZa” achieve such overwhelming and continuing success.
For more news and updates on “GomBurZa”, follow the film’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GomBurZaFilm
