MAGELLAN: Epic Retelling of Philippine Colonization by Lav Diaz

MAGELLAN delivers radical retelling of Ferdinand Magellan's 16th-century voyage to the Philippines. Directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz (NORTE, THE END OF HISTORY), this globe-spanning epic stars Gael García Bernal as Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Film chronicles the first Pacific Ocean crossing and arrival in the Malay Archipelago, where crew faces madness from harsh seas and overwhelming island beauty. Magellan's obsession triggers rebellion and power reckoning.

Diaz presents Philippine colonization as primal, shocking encounter challenging European discovery narratives. Shot across Southeast Asia, the film explores consequences of exploration, imperialism, and cultural collision. Distributed by Janus Films.

Opens January 9 in New York and Los Angeles theaters before wider release. Diaz's signature contemplative style transforms historical conquest into meditation on power, ambition, and human cost of empire-building. Features international cast bringing fresh perspective to canonical exploration story told from colonized perspective.