A new film about “GomBurZa” – the iconic trio of Filipino priests whose deaths in 1872 helped spark the Philippine Revolution of 1898 – will soon be released in Philippine cinemas.
The roles of the three priests – Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora – are played by actors Dante Rivero, Cedric Juan and Enchong Dee, respectively. The film also features leading actors such as Piolo Pascual, Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas and Carlitos Siguion-Reyna. GomBurZa is directed by award-winning filmmaker Pepe Diokno.
The full-length motion picture was produced by Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom) in partnership with MQuest Ventures Inc. as co-presenter. GomBurZa is a historical drama that tells the story of three Filipino priests who were publicly executed by garrote at Bagumbayan on February 17, 1872. Spanish colonial authorities had charged them with subversion due to their alleged involvement in the 1872 Cavite Mutiny — an insurrection of Indios (native Filipinos) at a naval arsenal in Cavite.
Prior to this, the three priests had earned the ire of Spanish officials for fighting for equal rights among priests. Their deaths, witnessed by about 40,000 people, strengthened the growing nationalist movement among Filipinos which eventually led to the Philippine Revolution of 1986.
“This is an important project, not just for JesCom, but also for our country and the Church. GomBurZa shows how our people came together as Filipinos and that the Catholic Church was part of the emergence of the Filipino nation.”, said JesCom Executive Director, Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ.
“We are grateful to MQuest Ventures for this partnership. Through this film, we honor the humble sacrifice made by the three heroic priests and bring their story to life for the current generation.”, according to Fr. Roseller Atilano, Jr., SJ., Associate Director of JesCom.
“MQuest Ventures is proud to be part of this project with JesCom. GomBurZa is our gift to the Filipino audience that will give them an insightful view of our history. This is the first of many important films that we will bring to the public this year. We have lots more in store.”, said MQuest Ventures Inc. President and CEO, Jane Basas.
JesCom is the media arm of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus that aims to educate the Filipino faithful, and inspire audiences through its acclaimed audiovisual programs, music, and publications. Its first film, Ignacio De Loyola, won Best Film award at the Mirabile Dictu Catholic Film festival at the Vatican.
MQuest Ventures, a content and creatives hub, is a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings along with TV5, Cignal TV, The Philippine Star, and Businessworld.
