The critically acclaimed historical drama “GomBurZa,” which garnered multiple awards at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, is set to captivate audiences in the United Arab Emirates starting February 29, 2024. Directed by the esteemed Pepe Diokno and featuring a stellar cast including Cedrick Juan, Dante Rivero, Enchong Dee, Piolo Pascual, Khalil Ramos, and Elijah Canlas, the film promises a compelling look into a significant chapter of Philippine history.
“GomBurZa” delves into the lives and legacy of the Filipino martyrs Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known as GomBurZa. These three Catholic priests were executed by the Spanish colonial authorities on February 17, 1872, on charges of subversion following the 1872 Cavite mutiny. Their death sparked a movement for reform and independence among Filipinos and is remembered as a pivotal moment in the country’s struggle against colonial oppression.
The film has been lauded for its exceptional storytelling, earning it the title of 2nd Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Cedrick Juan’s portrayal of one of the martyred priests earned him Best Actor, while Pepe Diokno took home the award for Best Director. The movie also received accolades for Best Cinematography (Carlo Canlas Mendoza), Best Production Design (Ericson Navarro), Best Sound Design (Albert Michael Idioma, Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla, and Emilio Bien Sparks), and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Philippines, “GomBurZa” explores the themes of equality, freedom, and sacrifice. It highlights the priests’ fight against the Spanish friars for secularization and equal rights among clergy, a battle that ultimately led to their martyrdom and inspired future generations of Filipinos, including the national hero José Rizal.