MAGELLAN

Special Features: 2026 Oscar® Selection, Philippines

In Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz’s (THE WOMAN WHO LEFT, AFI FEST 2016) gorgeously mounted anti-colonial epic, Gael García Bernal stars as infamous Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan. After the brutal conquest of Malacca in 1511, Magellan returns to Europe poised to continue his expeditions but finds the Portuguese crown unwilling to put up the funds. Turning to Spain, he gathers a motley crew that includes indigenous slave Enrique (Amado Arjay Babon) and sets sail for the Spice Islands. A long, arduous journey tests Magellan’s resolve as famine and unrest spread quickly throughout the ship. When the crew finally arrives in the Philippines, Magellan finds purpose in spreading the gospel of Christianity but encounters a resilient people unafraid to stand their ground. Using his trademark long takes, Diaz fashions staggering tableaus rendered in vivid hues, partnering with co-cinematographer Artur Tort (PACIFICTION) to tell this monumental story of colonialism and resistance which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. –Josh Gardner

Official Selection, 2025 AFI FEST and Cannes film festivals. DIR/SCR Lav Diaz; PROD Joaquim Sapinho, Albert Serra, Montse Triola, Mark Victor, Marta Vieira Alves. Portugal/Spain/France/Philippines/Taiwan, 2025, color, 160 min. In Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog and French with English subtitles. NOT RATED

Run Time: 160 Minutes

Opening Date: Saturday, December 06, 2025

Genre: Historical drama

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