World Cinema
Magellan / Magellan
Lav Diaz
Director's bio
Lav Diaz
Lav Diaz (b. 1958) is a Filipino filmmaker, screenwriter, and critic, celebrated as a pioneer of “slow cinema.” His films, often running several hours, explore history, trauma, and politics with contemplative pacing. Diaz gained international recognition with Norte, the End of History (2013, Cannes Un Certain Regard), followed by From What Is Before (2014, Golden Leopard Locarno), The Woman Who Left (2016, Golden Lion Venice), and Season of the Devil (2018).
Synopsis
Lav Diaz’s epic retelling of Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage traces the perilous journey from Spain to the Philippines, blending historical fact with philosophical meditation. Told in Diaz’s signature long-form style, the film immerses viewers in the physical and spiritual toll of exploration. Magellan’s encounters with indigenous communities highlight the clash of cultures, the violence of colonial ambition, and the fragile bonds of faith. As storms, mutinies, and betrayals unfold, the voyage becomes a metaphor for humanity’s search for meaning and the devastating consequences of conquest. Diaz transforms history into a contemplative odyssey about endurance, morality, and the legacy of empire.
Details of Cast
Gael García Bernal, John Arcilla
Details of Crew
Cinematography: Larry Manda
Producer Details
Epicmedia Productions
Writer Details
Lav Diaz
Stills
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