# Green Bones

Green Bones is a 2024 Philippine prison drama film directed by Zig Dulay from a screenplay written by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, based on a story concept by JC Rubio. Starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid. The plot follows Xavier Gonzaga, is still grieving over the death of his sister while opposing the release of criminal Domingo Zamora.
The film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as an official entry of GMA Pictures to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival in its 50th year.

## Plot

In Manila, a dedicated prison officer Xavier Gonzaga carried a heavy burden. His sister, Ruth Pineda, had been a victim of gang violence, and Xavier blamed notorious criminal Domingo Zamora for perpetuating the very cycle that ended her life. Now, with Dom up for parole, Xavier stood firmly against his release.
Domingo, hoping to convince the parole board he's a changed man, faces his upcoming hearing. Ruth is his ten-year-old daughter, Joanna "Jo" Zamora, a beacon of innocence and optimism despite the shadow of her father's past. Through prison visits with Dom, Jo learns about Ruth and seeks out friendship with Xavier. Xavier, grappling with his own grief, finds himself surprisingly drawn to Jo's resilient spirit, creating a conflict between his pain and this unexpected connection.
Xavier struggles with his complicated feelings for Dom as he guides Jo through the challenges of adolescence. Together with Elise, Jo's vibrant best friend, they struggling but not forgiveness and redemption, a journey through the streets of Manila's vibrant youth and harsh realities. Their bond is forged on makeshift basketball courts, under the glow of streetlights, and through shared stories, finishing a friendship that transcends their difficult pasts.
Xavier is caught in a vice, squeezed by the demands of his friends seeking retribution and others urging forgiveness for Dom. With Dom's opposing the release approaches, Xavier is forced to grapple with the lingering trauma of the past and the weighty decisions that will determine his past but also the choices that define him as a man, and a mentor.
At the parole hearing, Xavier's emotional testimony reveals Ruth's belief that compassion alone isn't enough. Just when Dom's potential release threatens to derail any chance of reconciliation, he unexpectedly takes accountability for his actions. He acknowledges not only his crimes but also the profound and far-reaching impact they have had on the lives of others.
Xavier discovers that true closure isn't achieved through revenge, but through understanding and accepting the past. He understands that Ruth's memory is best honored not by retribution, but by risking the kindness and love that Jo seeks forgiveness for.
Dom, a teen artist struggling to find his voice, and his friends Jonathan, Carlos, Elise, and Ruth experience strange visions related to their fears and desires after a discovery. They navigate growing up, family expectations, and self-discovery while learning to embrace their true selves. A new girl, Betty, helps a group of friends confront their fears and discover inner strength. When one of them, Dom, faces sabotage at his art show, Jonathan publicly reveals his truth, inspiring the group to support Dom and turn the event into a celebration of empowerment and acceptance.
Betty has been secretly documenting the group's journey through photography, capturing their individual and collective growth. Her artwork reflects emotional moments, while each member experiences significant personal development Dom pursues art, Jonathan gains acceptance, Carlos becomes sincere, Elise embraces adventure, Ruth defies norms, and Betty finds her voice as a storyteller.
Ruth and her friends unite to protect her family's ancestral home, a site steeped in history, from being destroyed by the system, all while dealing with their own personal struggles. Jonathan feels pressured to enter politics, Betty doubts her artistic talent, Juanito is torn between his desires and societal expectations, and Carlos discovers the meaning of vulnerability.
A group uniting to support Ruth's cause uncovers family secrets that test their loyalty and trust. Under the stars, a group confronts Ruth, believing she feels overshadowed by the ambitions of others. A deep conversation leads to a new understanding between them.
A community is rallying to save Ruth's home from being taken over by developers. Xavier's family is revealed to be secretly planning to convert the project into luxury condos. Facing betrayal, but also given a chance to make amends for earn redemption. Xavier faces a dilemma: loyalty to his friends versus his family's aspirations for him.
Ruth finds peace with her heritage and embraces change, leading to an uplifting note. Dom is Ruth's older brother who initially resented their family's legacy. The speaker forgives Ruth and Xavier, recognizing their dedication to friendship over personal gain.

## Cast
### Lead cast

* Dennis Trillo as Domingo "Dom" Zamora, a criminal accused of murdering his own sister and niece.
* Ruru Madrid as Xavier Gonzaga, a prison guard.
** Enzo Osorio as young Xavier

### Supporting cast

* Alessandra De Rossi as Betty
* Michael de Mesa as Juanito Velasquez
* Ronnie Lazaro as Edgardo Sevilla
* Sofia Pablo as Ruth Pineda
** Sienna Stevens as young Ruth
* Wendell Ramos as Jonathan Cruz
* Pauline Mendoza as Elise Gonzaga, Xavier's sister
* Victor Neri as Carlos Pineda
* Kylie Padilla as Lisa
* Mikoy Morales as Minyong
* Royce Cabrera as Luis
* Ruby Ruiz as Mi
* Gerard Acao as Pol
* Raul Morit as Ador

### Special participation

* Iza Calzado as Joanna "Jo" Zamora-Pineda
* Nonie Buencamino as Jorge Delos Santos

## Production

On July 15, 2024, GMA Pictures released a Facebook post of a teaser poster of their entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film is known as Green Bones, which is directed by Zig Dulay, who previously directed the film Firefly that won the Best Picture award in the previous year. Green Bones is just one of the first five entries for the film festival.
Moreover, the screenplay is written by national artist Ricky Lee and GMA Public Affairs Assistant Vice President Anj Atienza, while the story is written by JC Rubio.
Filming concluded on November 20, 2024.

## Music

The 2022 song "Nyebe" by Filipino boy band SB19 was used as the theme for Green Bones.

## Release

Green Bones was released in cinemas in the Philippines on December 25, 2024, at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. GMA Pictures signed a distribution deal with American film company Columbia Pictures (through the Sony Pictures Releasing International label) to distribute the film. The film was cited by the MMFF as one of the three top-grossing entries for its 2024 edition.
The film is also scheduled to premiere at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on March 6, 2025.

## Reception
### Accolades

Accolades received by Green Bones :
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Picture | Green Bones | Won |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence | Green Bones | Nominated |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Director | Zig Dulay | Nominated |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Actor | Dennis Trillo | Won |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Supporting Actor | Ruru Madrid | Won |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Screenplay | Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza | Won |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | Won |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Production Design | Maolen Fadul | Nominated |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Editing | Benjamin Tolentino | Nominated |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Sound | Narra by Wildsound | Nominated |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Musical Score | Len Calvo | Nominated |
| 2024 | 50th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Child Performer | Sienna Stevens | Won |