2024 MMFF’s ‘Green Bones’ star Dennis Trillo shares thoughts on PDLs

MANILA, Philippines — Dennis Trillo, one of the leads in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Green Bones,” hinted that the film’s intriguing premise revolves around the belief that “finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life.”

The inspirational drama marks Dennis’ MMFF comeback and his co-star, Ruru Madrid’s first MMFF role.

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

Ruru’s character Xavier, jaded from the tragic death of his own sister in a senseless crime, does not believe criminals could hold such a bone in their body. His suspicions about Trillo’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.

The movie is directed by award-winning director Zig Dulay (MMFF 2023 “Firefly,” “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and “Sahaya”).

The fim follows the story of soon-to-be-released prisoner Domingo Zamora (Dennis). However, newly assigned prison guard Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid) makes it his personal mission to keep Zamora behind bars.

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

In an interview with select press, including The STAR, Dennis shared how he prepared for his role, the challenges he had while filming and his thoughts about persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

To prepare for his role, Dennis says he studied the Filipino sign language and had to lose weight.

Dennis and Ruru didn’t get to bond that much on set to effectively portray their respective characters, who are cold towards each other. As Dennis said, it helped them to get into the dynamics of their roles in the story. “Ako tahimik lang din naman ako ‘pag nasa set. We are focused on our characters. We don’t want to ruin our mood na yung maging chummy-chummy kami masyado on set and it was effective.”

Filming the entire movie was both emotionally and physically challenging, according to Dennis. “There were scenes that required action scenes,” recalled Dennis. “Maybe it’s just about giving genuine emotion and finding the right balance to fit the character. I think that was the most challenging.

“In every role that you do, you need to know your character’s limitations and not go beyond them. Know your boundaries because once na nakuha mo naman yung tamang timpla, that’s when the magic happens and it blends well with the project.”

To prepare for his role, Dennis studied the Filipino sign language and also lost weight.

“My role here is a notorious criminal. At some point, he became an addict. I need to lose some pounds para medyo humpak ang pisngi dahil wala pa akong nakikilalang addict na medyo chubby-chubby,” he said with a laugh.

“I needed to start from the looks. It has to be believable. Aside from losing weight, of course, yung look, I needed to color my hair. And the other one was, I needed to wear a wig para makita na withered yung character.”

In relation to the film’s tagline, “Kung bibigyan mo ang sarili mo ng pagkakataon, puwede kang lumaya,” and Dennis role as PDL, this paper asked him about his views on PDLs.

“You really have to put yourself in their position. We felt it like nandito lang sila sa isang contained area na limited lang yung pwede mong gawin. And I think it was important to feel it and maganda yung ni-recreate ni direk Zig na location para buuin yung parang isang kulungan. It’s open air. It’s not like a dark prison but we were in an island that is away from civilization,” he said.

Asked about his opinion if PDLs are also capable of changing their lives, Dennis believed that it doesn’t matter who you are because it’s up to that person if he or she wants to change his or her life for the better.

“I think all people, not only those who are in prison, have to be given a chance to change, not only once or twice but hangga’t naisip nila na pagbutihin yung mga sarili nila. I think laging bigyan ng pagkakataon magbago,” he maintained.

“Green Bones” is presented by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs and is co-produced with Brightburn Entertainment, Dennis’ film production outfit with wife Jennylyn Mercado. Opening on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, it will be distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures Releasing International.

The film also stars Michael de Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Wendell Ramos, and Alessandra de Rossi, with the special participation of Iza Calzado and Nonie Buencamino. 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.