‘GomBurZa’ gets national artist Ricky Lee’s seal of approval

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Ricky Lee, poster of MMFF film ‘GomBurZa.’ Images: FILE PHOTOS

National artist Ricky Lee is all praises for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “GomBurZa,” which stars Cedrick Juan, Enchong Dee, and Dante Rivero, as it made him feel prouder of his Filipino heritage.

On his X (formerly Twitter) page last Sunday, Dec. 24, “GomBurZa” director Pepe Diokno shared a screenshot of what seemed to be a text message from Lee who congratulated him for a job well done.

“Hi Pepe! Congratulations. If there’s one word to describe the film, it’s magnificent. I have never felt more Filipino as I left the theater,” Lee’s message read, which was given “permission to share” on social media.

Just got the sweetest message from Sir Ricky (he gave me permission to share). I am crying now 🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/9BFGphHOwi

— Pepe Diokno (@PepeDiokno) December 24, 2023

This, in return, made the filmmaker emotional where he said: “Just got the sweetest message from Sir Ricky (he gave me permission to share). I am crying now.”

“GomBurZa” is a retelling of the martyr priests Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known as GomBurZa. The film also stars Ketchup Eusebio, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Elijah Canlas, Tommy Alejandrino, Jaime Fabregas, and Piolo Pascual in a special role.

During an advanced screening, Juan told reporters that the film serves as a reminder for Filipinos to seek justice and to remember that “everything is political.”