# 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 was burdened by a heavy responsibility. His sister, Ruth Pineda, had been a victim of gang violence, and Xavier opposes Domingo Zamora's parole because he blames Zamora's gang activity for his sister's death and the cycle of violence that caused it.
Domingo is preparing for his parole hearing, aiming to demonstrate to the board that he has reformed. Ruth is a ten-year-old girl, the daughter of Jo Zamora, and embodies innocence and optimism despite her father's troubled past. Jo visits Dom in prison, learns about Ruth through these visits, and then tries to befriend Xavier. Xavier, grieving and withdrawn, is conflicted by his growing attraction to Jo's resilience, creating a tension between his personal pain and this new connection.
Xavier struggles with feelings for Dom while mentoring Jo through teenage issues. Jo and her best friend Elise bruised the vibrant but harsh realities of Manila's youth, their journey marked by struggles and the search for forgiveness and redemption. Two individuals form a strong friendship through basketball and shared experiences, overcoming difficult pasts together.
Xavier is torn between friends wanting revenge on Dom and others pushing for forgiveness. Xavier faces a moral dilemma as Dom opposes release approaches, forcing him to confront past trauma and make difficult decisions that will define his future and his men as a mentor.
Xavier's testimony at the parole hearing, Ruth's belief that compassion is insufficient on its own. Dom's potential release jeopardizes reconciliation efforts, but he surprisingly takes responsibility for his past actions. He admits his guilt and recognizes the extensive damage his actions have caused to others.
Xavier learns that healing from the past comes from understanding and acceptance, not revenge. Ruth's memory means choosing kindness and love, even offering it to those, like Jo, who seek forgiveness for past wrongs.
Dom and his friends start experiencing strange visions tied to their fears and desires after making a mysterious discovery. A group of friends navigates growing up and self-discovery, helped by a new girl named Betty who encourages them to embrace their true selves and confront their fears. Facing sabotage, Dom is publicly supported by Jonathan, who reveals his truth, inspiring the group to embrace Dom and celebrate empowerment and acceptance.
Betty is secretly photographing the group's journey, documenting their individual and collective growth. Dom finds acceptance through art with Jonathan. Carlos meets Elise embraces adventure and sincerity. Ruth challenges societal norms. Betty discovers her storytelling ability.
Ruth and her friends fight to save her family's historic home from destruction, battling the system while dealing their own personal challenges. Jonathan is pressured into politics, Betty questions her artistic ability, Juanito struggles with societal expectations, and Carlos learns about vulnerability.
A group supporting Ruth's cause discovers family secrets that strain their relationships. They then confront Ruth, believing she feels overlooked, leading to a revealing conversation and newfound understanding.
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 |