“GomBurZa”, the acclaimed historical film produced by JesCom Films and MQuest Ventures of MediaQuest, in cooperation with CMB Film Services, proudly stood amongst the circle of winners during the 47th Gawad Urian Awards held Saturday evening, June 8, at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall of De La Salle University- Manila.
Source: GOMBURZA Facebook page
Organized in partnership with De La Salle University (DLSU), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and TVUP, the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) named Carlo Canlas Mendoza as the winner of the “Best Cinematography” award.
It was the second big win in a little over a week for Mendoza, who finished his MFA in Cinematography at the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory, as he previously took home the same “Best Cinematography” nod at the star-studded 72nd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards ceremony.
Adding to its list of accolades, “GomBurZa” was also hailed by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP),” in a speech by Ms. Shirley Lua, incumbent MPP Chair and DLSU Associate Professor of Literature and Cultural studies, as the “Best and Most Intelligent Historical Film to Date, for its compelling depiction of the courageous story of the iconic trio of martyr-priests, Padre Mariano Gomes, Padre José Burgos, and Padre Jacinto Zamora.
Source: TVUP YouTube channel
Jesuit Communications’ second foray into filmmaking, “GomBurZa” is its offering to the Philippine Church and response to revisionist interpretations of history. The late Jesuit historian and educator, Rev. John N. Schumacher SJ, who served as the main source for the film’s research, asserts that the heroism of Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora, alongside other watershed moments, proved the Church’s integral role in the emergence of the Philippine nation. The priestly trio’s unjust execution ultimately became pivotal in awakening the national consciousness of the Filipino people.
Apart from its two triumphs, “GomBurZa” was also nominated for 11 more categories laid out by the Filipino film critic organization composed of esteemed critics, writers, and scholars.
Highlighting “GomBurZa’s” impressive recognitions were nominations for ‘Best Picture’ and ‘Best Director’ for Juan Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno. Cedrick Juan was once again nominated as ‘Best Actor’ for his lead role and masterful 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 earned a nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor.’
“GomBurZa” also garnered nominations for ‘Best Screenplay’ (Rody Vera and Pepe Diokno) and ‘Best Production Design’ (Ericson Navarro). Completing the list were additional nominations for ‘Best Sound’ (Albert Michael Idioma, Emilio Bien Sparks, Janina Minglanilla), ‘Best Editing’ (Benjamin Tolentino), and ‘Best Music’ (Teresa Barrozo).
In a Facebook post, leading man Cedrick Juan expressed his utmost gratitude to the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) for the prestigious recognition of his work and the rest of the “GomBurZa” cast and crew.
“Grateful beyond words to be nominated among the finest in the industry for the 47th Gawad Urian. Here’s to the journey, the craft, and the endless pursuit of storytelling,” shared the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival ‘Best Actor’ winner.
“Isang gabing hindi malilimutan kasama ang pamilya GomBurZa.,Maraming salamat sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Saludo sa lahat ng manggagawa sa likod at harap ng pelikula at entablado,” added the theater-trained star.
“Pagbati sa lahat ng mga nominado, nanalo at lahat ng artistang lumalaban sa pagkakapantay-pantay , pagiging makatao at makabansa,” he exclaimed.
For more news and updates on “GomBurZa”, follow the film’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GomBurZaFilm
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