Award-winning Filipino historical film ‘GomBurZa’ set to screen in US, UAE

Screencap from JesComTV/YouTube

“Mga kababayan sa USA at UAE, masasabi mo bang ikaw ay isang Filipino?”

This thought-provoking question was recently posed by the award-winning historical film “GomBurZa” on its official Facebook account on Feb. 21, as it prepares for its much-anticipated international screenings in the US and UAE.

“Mas paigtingin ang pagmamahal sa bayan at mas maging proud na ikaw ay isang Filipino sa panonood ng Most Awarded MMFF 2023 Film,” the post continues. “Malayo man tayo sa bansa, hindi dapat natin kalimutan ang ating pinagmulan at kasaysayan.”

Scheduled to commence its international screening journey on Feb. 23 in the US and Feb. 29 in the UAE, this MMFF and the inaugural Manila International Film Festival’s second best picture winner, transports viewers back to the period of Spanish colonization in the Philippines.

Produced by Jesuit Communications and MQuest Ventures, the film intricately tells the tragic fate of three revered secular priests – Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.

Under the direction of Pepe Diokno, “GomBurZa” has received widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and meticulous attention to detail, earning Cedrick Juan the Best Actor award and Diokno the Best Director accolade, along with recognition for Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.

Notably, the film was also bestowed with the prestigious “Gat Puno Antonio A. Villegas Cultural Award,” further solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece with huge cultural and historical significance.

Moreover, during the MIFF, the film also bagged Best Cinematography for Carlo Mendoza and the Audience Choice award.

The international screening of “GomBurZa” follows the recent screening of the co-MMFF film “Firely” on Feb. 16, adding to the growing excitement among audiences worldwide.