Gael Garcia Bernal as Ferdinand Magellan

Carrying the country’s hopes, Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” has been chosen to represent the Philippines at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) in the best international feature film category, after fulfilling all the required criteria: artistic and technical excellence, universal appeal, campaign viability, and the embodiment of Filipino values.

According to Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) director general Paolo Villaluna, the choice was neither arbitrary nor sentimental. “The films lined up this year were all good, and I could argue that each was deserving,” he told Inquirer Entertainment shortly after making the announcement on Monday night. “But in the end, our seven-member selection committee had to weigh things carefully. It was a fair, transparent, and objective process.”

The FAP, designated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), is tasked with selecting the country’s Oscar entry each year. That “Magellan” ultimately stood out reflects both the film’s heft and relevance. Directed by Diaz and produced by Paul Soriano’s Black Cap, the film revisits one of the earliest encounters between the Philippines and Europe—the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

“Magellan” producer Paul Soriano (left) and writer-director Lav Diaz

European connection

For Diaz, the film is not a conventional historical drama. “There’s no kissing scene. There’s no love scene. May mga nakahubad lang—but we were like that back then,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a more progressive look at the past. There’s also nothing controversial. We can defend it, and it’s good to actually have discourse.”

Diaz emphasized that the project was always meant for local audiences. “This has always been for the Filipino audience, for the Malays,” he said. “Kailangan balikan natin kung saan nagsimula ang koneksyon natin with the Europeans, with our colonization 45 years later after 1521.”

After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May, “Magellan” is now headed for a wide festival run, including Toronto, New York, Busan, and Tokyo. “It’s going to be well-traveled as Magellan travels the world once again,” Soriano said.

One of the film’s strongest assets is its lead actor, Gael García Bernal, who portrays Magellan. Diaz said the Oscar-winning Mexican actor immersed himself in the role for nearly two years. “He is such an intelligent actor. He really studied his character,” Diaz noted.

Bernal’s global recognition is expected to boost the campaign. “Gael is very supportive. He’s embraced the Philippines, and he will definitely be back to support the film,” Soriano added.

The road to finishing the film was not without struggle. Diaz revealed that he fell ill during production. “I got sick. I worked on this film for seven years. Six months of shooting—in the cold and all. Napabayaan ko ang sarili ko. I’m OK now, but I had to heal myself from tuberculosis for six months.” The production spanned Spain, Portugal, and the Philippines, where the team even built a replica Cebu village.

Now, the challenge is the Oscar race itself. “Sa Oscars kasi, para kang daraan sa butas ng karayom,” Diaz admitted. “You really have to campaign.” With distributors on board in South America, Europe, and the Philippines, the team is optimistic. Soriano added: “We’re ready to fundraise. Coming after the pandemic, this was one of the industries hardest-hit. But Filipino storytelling lives on.”

Film Development Council of the Philippines, through its chair Jose Javier Reyes, donated P1 million to help fund the Oscar campaign of “Magellan”. (Image Marinel Cruz/INQUIRER.net)

P1M donation

Government support is also expected. Villaluna confirmed that the FAP will provide financial aid for the campaign. Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Jose Javier Reyes pledged an additional ₱1 million.

“It’s always a good problem when the selection process is this difficult,” Reyes said during the opening gala of the FDCP’s Philippine Film Industry Month, which will run throughout September. “But in the end, we chose ‘Magellan’ because, as Lav himself said, you cannot find the direction for the future unless you understand your past.”

“Magellan” will be released in local cinemas nationwide on Sept. 10, giving audiences the chance to see the film before its Oscar journey continues. For Diaz, the campaign is not just about the film but about the country as a whole. “We’ll work hard. ’Di lang kami ito, buong bayan kasama natin. We will just represent our flag.” INQ