On December 23, filmmaker Pepe Diokno (Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Best Director) emphasized his hopes for GomBurZa’s box-office success rather than awards.
At the premiere night for GomBurZa, which LionhearTV covered, Diokno clarified that he was not considering the possibility of getting awards when they made the film.
“On my mind, sana lang po tanggapin ng tao ‘yung pelikula, sana po ma-enjoy nila, sana po ma-move sila, sana ma-inspire sila. That’s what I’m really hoping for. I’m not thinking about the rankings or the awards. I’m really just thinking na sana tangkilikin siya ng mga Filipino.”
GomBurZa won several awards in the MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal on December 27, including Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, Best Director, Best Actor, and 2nd Best Picture.
Aside from expressing his hopes for their film, Diokno also recounted the creative process of ‘GomBurZa’ from 2018, during the pandemic, and in 2023.
“Sa pagsulat po ng script, sinimulan po ito ng JESCOM 2018, and then actually magro-roll na po sana kami ng 2020 tapos biglang nagka-pandemic. This was supposed to be a tribute to the–500 years of the Church in the Philippines.
“But even though we passed the pandemic, when we started to normalize, I’m so thankful that JESCOM continued with the process. So napakadami pong research material from the texts in history.”
‘Gomburza’ stars Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan, and Enchong Dee with Piolo Pascual, Elijah Canlas, Khalil Ramos, Jaime Fabregas, Tommy Alejandrino, Nanding Josef, Ketchup Eusebio, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Sheenly Gener, and Elora Espano.
Under the direction of MMFF2023 Best Director Pepe Diokno, GomBurZa continues its run at cinemas nationwide until January 7.
