MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Green Bones - How Do We Measure Goodness?

In anticipation for the celebration of the Metro Manila Film Festival, we got to see the special advanced screening of Green Bones by GMA Pictures. From the success of their last year's entry Firefly, this probably gave them the inspiration to submit a new entry for this year's MMFF which is now on its golden anniversary.

Written by National Artist Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, and directed by Zig Dulay, Green Bones is a suspenseful drama which stars Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid.

It tells the story of Dom (Trillo) who is convicted with the murder of his sister and niece living in a penal colony where Xavier (Madrid) enters as a new prison officer driven with hatred to criminals, especially murderers like Dom. Dom is known in the island for being helpful and has a good track record that can lead to his parole. However, this does not sit well with Xavier and keeps a watchful eye on what are Dom's true intentions.

Inspirational Drama 'Green Bones' Is GMA's Entry For MMFF 2024

With the success of the movie 'Firefily' last year, GMA Pictures wanted to give another amazing story with their entry for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival with 'Green Bones' starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid. Also directed by Zig Dulay, it is also Co-produced with Brightburn Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Bringing a suspenseful drama to the festival, the story was also written by National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza. From just a concept, they saw the potential of it being a moving film that revolves around the sense of justice, doubt, family, forgiveness, and second chances.

Green Bones is top-billed by the critically acclaimed Dennis Trillo who makes his MMFF comeback, and primetime star Ruru Madrid in his first MMFF role. Michael de Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Wendell Ramos, and Alessandra de Rossi also star in the movie, with the special participation of Iza Calzado and Nonie Buencamino.

66th FAMAS Nominees Announced!

The FAMAS is on its 66th year and they are gearing up for a more explosive celebration of one the longest-running award giving event in the Philippines. Though the years it has survived controversies, changes, and endless production numbers to be known as the premiere accolade event of the country.

This year marks another monumental year for FAMAS with the list of its nominees which now features more films from independent studios now at par with veteran and large movie labels. Staging this feat for 2018 are Francia Conrado (FAMAS President,) Ricky Lee (Jury Chairman,) and Madonna Sanchez (Executive Producer).

REEL DEAL: Himala (Restored Version)

Even after all of these years, timeless classics never cease to amaze me with their aesthetic permanence and style, and one of these cinema gems HIMALA was restored with the aide of technology to give it a cleaner view compared when it was grainy and noisy back then. The restortion was done by ABS-CBN and Central Digital Lab. The Restored Film was first premiered in 69th Venice Film Festival. In the Philippines, it was released on December 5, 2012

This movie which is the most memorable Nora Aunor movie has been recognized here with Best Picture from the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival and the 1983 Catholic Mass Media Awards and abroad including the CNN Best Asian Films of All Time chosen by CNN International in 2008. 

Himala was one of the entries of the 1892 Metro Manila Film Festival. Direcetd by Ishmael Bernal, Story/Screenplay by Ricky Lee. Starring Nora Aunor as Elsa, Spanky Manikan as Orly, Gigi Duenas as Nimia, Laura Centeno as Chayong, Vangie Labalan as Aling Saling, Veronica Palileo as Mrs. Alba, and Ama Quiambao as Sepa.