After 2016’s internationally-acclaimed Ignacio de Loyola, a feature film on the founder of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit Communications Foundation Philippines returns to the big screen with a new historical drama that tells the courageous story of three Filipino Catholic priests: Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, who were executed by the Spanish colonial government in 1872 on charges of subversion.
Entitled “GomBurZa”, the film aims to preserve the enduring legacy of the three martyr priests, whose lives shaped the struggle for justice and freedom in the country but also served as a source of inspiration for countless Filipinos, including national hero José Rizal. Through the film, Jescom Philippines hopes to honour their faith, courage, and patriotism and show how their story continues to be a source of courage for people today.
A collaborative project with MQuest Ventures in cooperation with CMB Film Services, GomBurZa has also been selected as an official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a historic first for a Jesuit production.
Fr Nono Alfonso SJ, JesCom Executive Director and GomBurZa Executive Producer, said the film’s inclusion in the MMFF presents a significant opportunity for Jescom to reach more people with their evangelical message. “[Audiences] will gain a much deeper appreciation for the Church’s integral role in Philippine history and the emergence of the nation,” he said.
“We are so happy that a small production company like JesCom gets to join the country’s biggest film event,” shared JesCom Creative Director and GomBurZa Producer Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin.
“We are grateful for our partners MQuest Ventures and CMB Film Services for working with us, as well as the exceptionally talented collaborators like director Pepe Diokno and cinematographer Carlo Mendoza,” she added.
Directed by Pepe Diokno, “GomBurZa” features an all-Filipino cast led by Dante Rivero as Padre Mariano Gomez, Cedrick Juan as Padre Jose Burgos, and Enchong Dee as Padre Jacinto Zamora. The film is set to be released in Philippine theatres on Christmas Day, 25 December.
Watch the trailer:
