MAGELLAN
A Film by Lav Diaz
Starring Gael Garcia Bernal
16th century. Magellan, a young and ambitious Portuguese navigator, rebels against the power of the King, who doesn’t support his dream of discovering the world. He persuades the Spanish Crown to fund his bold expedition to the fabled lands of the East. The voyage is exhausting beyond expectations, with hunger and mutiny pushing the crew to their limits. Upon reaching the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, Magellan’s mind changes. He becomes obsessed with conquest and conversion, which sparks violent uprisings beyond his control. This is not the myth of Magellan, but the truth of his journey.
Writer/Director: Lav Diaz
Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal
Producers: Joaquim Sapinho, Marta Alves, Albert Serra, Montse Triola, Paul Soriano, Mark Viktor. Jose Alayón, Stefano Centini
US Distributor: Janus Films
2025 / Portugal / Spain / France / Philippines / Taiwan / 160 min
Ângela Azevedo in Magellan directed by Lav Diaz, Courtesy of Janus Films