From the creative minds behind last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture winner “Firefly,” GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs present “Green Bones” — a film that promises the story of redemption, hope, and the human spirit.
Co-produced with Brightburn Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures, “Green Bones” is directed by Zig Dulay, the award-winning filmmaker behind “Firefly” and notable TV dramas like “Maria Clara at Ibarra.”
The movie is written by National Artist for Film Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza.
Dennis Trillo as prisoner Domingo Zamora and Ruru Madrid as prison guard Xavier Gonzaga. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOTS/GMA PICTURES
“Green Bones” follows the story of soon to be released prisoner Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo) who was incarcerated for the murder of his sister. His release is put in jeopardy by newly assigned prison guard Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid) who makes it his personal mission to keep Zamora behind bars.
Madrid’s character Xavier, jaded from the tragic death of his own sister in a senseless crime, does not believe criminals could hold such a bone in their body. His suspicions about Trillo’s character Dom Zamora are fueled by the latter’s strange behavior inside the penal complex, even as the prisoner’s reputation is that of an already reformed man.
In the film’s press conference, National Artist Lee shared of the film’s central theme, “This is a film about hope amidst dark times. A movie that shows how, even in the darkest skies, stars will still appear. It tells us that even in a place as condemned as a penal colony, in the battle between good and evil, goodness will always prevail.”
The movie’s title draws from the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains signifies they were inherently good in life.
For Madrid, this belief deeply resonated with him and became the driving force behind his decision to accept the project for his MMFF debut.
“There’s a saying that if a person is cremated and green bones are found among the ashes, it means they lived a virtuous life. Personally, just the idea alone is already so meaningful. It makes us reflect on how we live in this world and aspire that, no matter what happens in our lives, we hope to someday leave behind green bones,” Madrid explained.
Meanwhile, Trillo — who is making an MMFF comeback — said with the film’s theme, “Green Bones” is set to inspire audiences this holiday season.
“I really don’t know if there’s scientific evidence that finding green bones in someone’s remains means they were a good person in life. But in this case, it’s not just because our film is called Green Bones — I want to believe in this idea. It serves as a reminder to always do good so that when the time comes, we can achieve green bones in the afterlife. It’s a good reminder to live a virtuous life because this film is about hope,” Trillo said.
He added, “I believe it’s important to always give hope to someone who wants to change because, of course, they want to correct their mistakes. Even if they fail once or twice, as long as they truly want to change and make their lives better, that’s what matters.”
The movie delves into themes of redemption and transformation, with the stars offering messages of hope to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
“Always remember, no one has the right to judge your future. Mistakes don’t define you. Trust in God and believe in your decision to change,” Madrid said.
“There’s always hope as long as you’re alive. Everyone makes mistakes, but through those, we grow. PDLs deserve the chance to change, just like anyone else,” added his co-star.
Apart from Trillo and Madrid, “Green Bones” also stars Michael de Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Wendell Ramos, Alessandra de Rossi, Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens, Kylie Padilla, Pauline Mendoza, Gerhard Acao, Raul Morit, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz and Enzo Osorio, with the special participation of Iza Calzado and Nonie Buencamino.
“Green Bones” is distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures Releasing International. It premieres Dec. 25 as part of the 10 Metro Manila Film Festival lineup.
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