A Homecoming Is in the Works for 'Magellan'

After receiving critical acclaim at Cannes, including a five-minute standing ovation during its premiere night, Lav Diaz's latest opus "Magellan" (Magalhães) may soon set its course back to the Philippines.

- By Nathalie Tomada

The almost three-hour historical epic, which was partly shot in Sampaloc, Quezon, offers a portrait of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the final months of his life—leading up to his death on the island of Mactan in 1521, according to the Festival de Cannes website.

Praised by critics as "haunting and visually imposing" (Screen Daily), as well as "hypnotizing and spiritual" (Indiewire), "Magellan" is seen as one of Diaz's most "exportable" films, thanks in part to the presence of Oscar-nominated actor Gael Garcia Bernal in the title role.

According to producer Paul Soriano in an exclusive chat with The STAR, "The first leg was shot here in Manila (in 2024). Gael came over and then they flew to Portugal and Spain to shoot the remaining scenes, and then they came back in December to finish the Philippine portion."

Soriano, who had producing partners from Spain and Portugal, namely Albert Serra and Joaquim Sapinho, recalled to this paper the strong reception to the film's Cannes debut early this week as part of the Premiere Section.

"I know, it's been very positive, actually. I mean, the Cannes premiere was very successful, so I think we had about five, six minutes of standing ovation. Very well-deserved for Lav. He was the captain of our ship, you know," Soriano shared.

He added, "And of course, Gael's performance. You see his star power, and you feel it when you're in a place like Cannes."

Though this was Soriano's third time to participate at Cannes for other events, "this was my first time to really experience, you know, the whole red carpet, the press, the photocall. It was very surreal.