Do you believe in green bones?

There is a fascinating belief among certain cultures and traditions that when green bones are discovered within an individual's cremated remains, it is a significant indicator of that person's goodness during their lifetime. 

This notion suggests that such bones symbolize virtues like kindness, compassion, and moral integrity, reflecting a life well-lived. 

The phenomenon is often interpreted as a spiritual acknowledgment of the individual's positive impact on the world and the people around them, further enhancing the reverence paid to the deceased during memorial practices.

From the creators of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Best Picture and Best Screenplay winner Firefly, GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs proudly present their official entry for this year’s MMFF – Green Bones.

Co-produced by Brightburn Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures, Green Bones aims to be an inspiring cinematic experience just in time for Christmas.

Dennis and Ruru discussed their thoughts on green bones during a media conference in Quezon City.

"When first heard about it, interesting siya. Parang wala pang ganitong materyal na ginamit sa movies. Sana maging curious din ang mga manonood kung bakit may pelikula about Green Bones," said Dennis.

Ruru said he was grateful to be part of a unique project like Green Bones.

"I am grateful for this project because ito ang kauna-unahang Metro Manila Film Festival project ko. Naikwento ko ito kay Dennis na last year, habang nanood kami ng Firefly ni Bianca (Umali), bigla kong naramdaman na feeling ko magkakaroon ako ng MMFF next year.

"Noong binasa ko yung script, parang meant to be na sa akin ang project. Napakaganda ng storya at buhay na buhay ang bawa't character na nasa Green Bones," said Ruru.

Preparations

Green Bones follows the story of soon-to-be-released prisoner Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), who was incarcerated for the murder of his sister. His release is jeopardized by newly assigned prison guard Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), who makes it his mission to keep Zamora behind bars.

The inspirational and heart-wrenching drama touches on the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life. Ruru’s character, Xavier, jaded from the tragic death of his sister in a senseless crime, does not believe criminals could hold such a bone in their bodies. 

His suspicions about Dennis's character, Dom Zamora, are fueled by the latter’s strange behavior inside the penal complex, even as the prisoner’s reputation is that of an already reformed man.

Dennis and Ruru opened up about their experiences and the extensive preparation they undertook for their roles in Green Bones. 

They discussed the unique challenges they faced and the research they conducted to understand their characters better. Together, they painted a vivid picture of their dedication and the collaborative efforts that went into bringing their characters to life on screen.

"The moment na sinabi sa akin ito, naghanap na kaagad ako ng tamang framework para sa pelikulang ito. Marami akong pinanood na mga Wong Kar-wai movies kasi kailangan ko mapuntahan yung difference ng cinema at television," said Ruru.

Ruru added: "Nagtrain ako ng meditation para maging matibay ang pag-focus ko sa bawa't eksena na gagawin ko. Nag hanap din ako ng scent ni Javier para maramdaman ko na nasa character na ako agad. Everytime na ginagamit ko siya, nagki-clear sa utak ko yung lahat ng natutunan ko sa buhay. 

"After namin gawin yung movies, ang tagal kong makawala kasi nasa akin pa rin si Javier sa sistema ko. Pero na enjoy ko yung process na pelikula," Ruru also said.

Dennis elaborated on the distinctions between producing a movie and creating a television series. He highlighted how movies typically have a condensed, singular storyline that unfolds over a relatively short period, often culminating in a two-hour experience.

In contrast, television series are designed for extended storytelling, allowing for character development and plot intricacies to evolve over multiple episodes or even seasons. 

Dennis also noted the difference in pacing and the collaborative processes involved in each medium, emphasizing how these elements impact the creative choices of directors, writers, and actors.

"Magkaiba ang TV at pelikula. Sa pelikula namin, mas less ang dialogue kumpara sa TV na lahat ibibigay sa'yo. Dito nagtitinginan pa lang kami alam mo na kung ano ang ipinapahiwatig ng eksena. Kailangan ko rin dito mag sign language. Iba rin ang looks namin dito," said Dennis.

Ruru expressed his admiration for Dennis's performance in the movie, highlighting how impressed he was with his acting skills and the depth he brought to his character. 

He described Dennis as exceptionally talented and praised his ability to convey emotion and connect with the audience throughout the film.

"Very vocal naman ako na isa si Dennis na tinitingala kong actor so noon pa man iniisip ko kung paano ang magiging dynamics namin. Nagtatanong ako kay Bianca kasi nagwork na sila together sa Legal Wives so nagtatanong ako about Kuya Dennis. 

"Everytime naman na lalapitan ko si Kuya Dennis at kapag may tanong ako at sinasagot ka naman niya. Everytime na nasa set kami, mapifeel mo na focus kami sa kanya-kanyang characters," Ruru also said.

"Everytime naman na lalapitan ko si Kuya Dennis at kapag may tanong ako at sinasagot ka naman niya. Everytime na nasa set kami, mapifeel mo na focus kami sa kanya-kanyang characters," Ruru also said.

Green Bones is directed by award-winning director Zig Dulay, the filmmaker behind “Firefly.” Zig is known for his hit TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra and Sahaya.

Based on the original concept of GMA Public Affairs’ senior manager for documentaries JC Rubio, Green Bones was written by National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza.

Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens, Kylie Padilla, Pauline Mendoza, Gerhard Acao, Raul Morit, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, and Enzo Osorio complete the film’s star-studded cast.

Catch Green Bones in theaters beginning Dec. 25.