Tears and Triumph: ‘Green Bones’ wins big at MMFF 50, expands to 180 cinemas
The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival concluded with victory for GMA Pictures’ Green Bones, a prison drama under the leadership of award-winning director Zig Dulay. This intense film not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned rave reviews from audiences, leading to a surge in screenings across the country. Initially showing in only 60 cinemas, public demand pushed that number to an impressive 180 after the awards ceremony on December 27.
This win is particularly significant for GMA Pictures, marking their second consecutive Best Picture award following Firefly’s success in 2023. This achievement echoes a similar feat accomplished by the studio 25 years ago when Jose Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999) achieved back-to-back victories.
A Night of Recognition
The awards ceremony, held at the Solaire Resort, saw Green Bones secure a multitude of awards:
- Best Actor: Dennis Trillo
- Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid
- Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens
- Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza
- Best Cinematography: Neil Daza
Despite this overwhelming success, GMA Network Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Valdes graciously shared the honor with all the films participating in the festival. “To make a film, it takes blood, sweat, and tears, and resources,” she stated. “And talagang we really risked it all because we want to tell a story and I hope that people listen to all these wonderful, outstanding stories of these movies.”
A Bold Vision and a Winning Gamble
The film’s success can be attributed to GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon’s commitment to showcasing the network’s talent on the big screen. While casting renowned actor Dennis Trillo was a natural choice, selecting Ruru Madrid for a pivotal role was a bold move. Despite his experience in television, Green Bones marks Madrid’s first major film role. This gamble paid off handsomely, with Madrid’s performance earning him the Best Supporting Actor award.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
Green Bones has been met with widespread praise from both critics and audiences. The Manila Feed awarded it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, labeling it an “MMFF 2024 Best Picture frontrunner” and “a film that moves the soul and reminds us of what truly matters.” LionhearTV and My Movie World mirrored this score, commending the film’s narrative, direction, acting, and visual elements. Influencer account Lakwatsera Lovers went a step further, giving it an 11/10 and applauding the writing, cast, and director Zig Dulay.
Manila Bulletin lauded the film’s timely and moving narrative, emphasizing its message of “doing the right thing and the perseverance needed to be a good, righteous member of the human race.” Rappler described it as “raw yet controlled […] a movie that will make you think, feel, and maybe even cry a little (or a lot).” The Manila Times hailed it as a masterpiece and “one of the finest films to grace the Metro Manila Film Festival in recent years […] an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.”
PhilStar highlighted Dennis Trillo’s ability to portray complex characters with “pathos, clarity, and gravitas,” and praised Ruru Madrid for delivering a memorable performance alongside industry veterans. Child actor Sienna Stevens, who learned sign language for her role, received accolades for her chemistry with Trillo and her impactful, non-verbal performance, which ultimately won her the Best Child Performer award.
Tears, Praise, and Lasting Impact
Audiences have been deeply moved by Green Bones, with many seen shedding tears during screenings. Social media is abuzz with positive reactions. The popular Facebook page Mubi Rebyu, which ranked the film #1, described it as “may kabuluhan at di makakalimutan” (meaningful and unforgettable). Screenwriter and National Artist Ricky Lee is receiving widespread recognition for his exceptional writing, with some even suggesting he should be immortalized. Many believe that director Zig Dulay deserves further accolades for his consistent cinematic excellence.
With Green Bones, GMA Pictures has once again demonstrated its ability to produce powerful and impactful stories, solidifying its position as a leading force in Philippine cinema. The film’s success serves as a reminder that courageous storytelling and casting choices can deeply connect with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
