SYNOPSIS

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.

Original Title: Magalhães Countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Philippines, Taiwan Year: 2025 Genre: Drama, History Ratio: 4:3 (1.33:1) Frame Rate: 24fps Resolution: 4K Sound: 5.1 Length: 150 min Language: Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, French

BIOgraphy

Lav Diaz is a filmmaker based in the Philippines. He’s renowned for his contemplative narrative style and extensive exploration of the Filipino socio-political landscape through cinema. Born in 1958 in Cotabato, Diaz has profoundly influenced the international film scene with his unique approach to duration and storytelling. His work often delves into the themes of history, suffering, and the human condition, marked by a style that involves long takes and black-and-white visuals. Diaz's major films include "Norte, the End of History" (2013), "From What Is Before" (2014), and "The Woman Who Left" (2016), which have garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards at prestigious international film festivals such as the Venice Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. His films are exhibited widely, challenging audiences with their length and depth, pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking to create thoughtful and provocative narratives.

Filmography

Magellan - 2025 - Cannes Film Festival - Cannes Premiere

Essential Truths of the Lake - 2023 - Locarno Film Festival - Official Competition

When the Waves are Gone - 2022 - Venice International Film Festival

The Halt - 2019 - Cannes Film Festival - Directors’ Fortnight

The Season of the Devil - 2018 - Berlin Film Festival - Official Competition

The Woman Who Left - 2016 - Venice International Film Festival - Golden Lion

From What is Before - 2014 -Locarno Film Festival - Golden Leopard

Norte, the End of History - 2013 - Cannes Film Festival - Un Certain Regard

Florentina Hubaldo, CTE - 2012

Century of Birthing - 2011 - Venice International Film Festival

Woman of the Wind - 2011 - International Film Festival Rotterdam

Melancholia - 2008 - Venice Film Festival - Orizzonti Grand Prize

Death in the Land of Encantos - 2007 - Venice Film Festival - Orizzonti Special Mention

Heremias, Book One: The Legend of the Lizar Princess - 2006 - Fribourg International Film Festival - Special Jury Prize

Evolution of a Filipino Family - 2004

Jesus Revolutionary - 2002

West Side Kid - 2002

Naked Under the Moon - 1999 - Berlin International Film Festival

Burger Boys - 1999

Criminal of Barrio Concepcion - 1998

CREW

Director: Lav Diaz Screenwriter: Lav Diaz DOP: Artur Tort Art director: Isabel Garcia, Allen Alzola Editors: Lav Diaz, Artur Tort Costume Design: Célia Fernandes, Kim Perez, Zeus Bascon, Eouia Aum Sound: Emmanuel Bonnat, Jordi Ribas, Miguel Martins VFX: Arnaud Chelet Production: Rosa Filmes, Andergraun Films, Lib Films, Black Cap Pictures Coproduction: Ten17P, Volos Films, El Viaje Films, Ultramarina Filmes, ARTE World Sales: Luxbox

CAST

Gael García Bernal, Ângela Azevedo, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro, Hazel Orencio, Tomás Alves, Brontis Jodorowsky, Baptiste Pintaux

FESTIVALS & AWARDS

Cannes Film Festival - Cannes Premiere - 2025