A homecoming IS in the works for ‘Magellan’ after Cannes

After receiving critical acclaim at Cannes, including a five-minute standing ovation during its premiere night, Lav Diaz’s latest opus “Magellan” (Magalhães) may soon set its course back to the Philippines.

The almost three-hour historical epic, which was partly shot in Sampaloc, Quezon, offers a portrait of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the final months of his life — leading up to his death on the island of Mactan in 1521, according to the Festival de Cannes website.

Praised by critics as “haunting and visually imposing” (Screen Daily), as well as “hypnotizing and spiritual” (Indiewire), “Magellan” is seen as one of Diaz’s most “exportable” films, thanks in part to the presence of Oscar-nominated actor Gael García Bernal in the title role.

According to producer Paul Soriano in an exclusive chat with The STAR, “The first leg was shot here in Manila (in 2024). Gael came over and then they flew to Portugal and Spain to shoot the remaining scenes, and then they came back in December to finish the Philippine portion.”

Director Lav and producer Paul Soriano before the ‘Magellan’ premiere.

Soriano, who had producing partners from Spain and Portugal, namely Albert Serra and Joaquim Sapinho, recalled to this paper the strong reception to the film’s Cannes debut early this week as part of the Premiere Section.

“I know, it’s been very positive, actually. I mean, the Cannes premiere was very successful, so I think we had about five, six minutes of standing ovation. Very well-deserved for Lav. He was the captain of our ship, you know,” Soriano shared.

He added, “And of course, Gael’s performance. You see his star power, and you feel it when you’re in a place like Cannes.”

Though this was Soriano’s third time to participate at Cannes for other events, “this was my first time to really experience, you know, the whole red carpet, the press, the photocall. It was very surreal.

The ‘Magellan’ team gets a standing ovation.

“I guess the best part about Cannes is, at least, for a week and a half or two weeks, cinema is serious business there.

“You’re talking about sold-out screenings, people lining up for films. Our film started at 10:30 p.m., but it was a full house… about a thousand people, I mean, lining up. It’s something I really miss, because unfortunately, cinema back home here doesn’t resemble that at all. When you go to the South of France, when you go to Cannes, it’s serious business, people are fighting for tickets. Cinema is king. And it was nice to be a part of that experience.”

Talking more about the highlights from this year’s Cannes, Soriano further shared, “Most memorable moment for me? I guess the premiere night itself and everything that went with it… But walking down the red carpet was surreal because you see all the celebrities, the big names,” citing the likes of Wes Anderson, Benicio Del Toro, Bill Murray, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, among others.

“I think also very memorable for me — if not the most memorable — was I was able to share (the experience) with my wife, Toni (Gonzaga).”

Beyond the glitz, Soriano weighed in on the power of cinema and its ability to gather people.

Paul with the lead star Gael.

“That’s the power of cinema. It brings everyone together. And no matter if you’re from Hollywood, the Philippines, Spain, Portugal — we all come together to share our stories at Cannes. And thankfully, the next day, the reviews (for ‘Magellan’) were all very positive. It only makes me more excited to bring it home.”

While there’s no fixed date for a local premiere yet, it’s definitely in the drawing board.

“Right now, we haven’t really sat down. Obviously, the dust of Cannes is just settling. Maybe next week, I’ll start talking to Lav or start talking to my other executive producers about the best time for this to show here in the Philippines,” said Soriano.

Asked about the possibility of having the lead star return to the Philippines for the premiere, he said, “We would love to invite him back to the Philippines for the premiere.”

“If all works out and the scheudles align, hopefully we make it happen.”

The Black Cap and Ten17P founder with wife, Toni Gonzaga. They are joined by Lav and other producing partners from Spain and Portugal.

Soriano also stressed the importance of students seeing the film: “One of the executive producers is Senator Loren Legarda as well. She has just been amazing at championing Philippine arts and cinema… I know she has a lot of great ideas on how much it can be seen — not only across the Philippines but also by students. I think it’s essential learning, and hopefully our students get to watch this as well.”

Following its Cannes success, there’s also talk of “Magellan” as a possible contender for the Philippines’ Oscar submission.

“I think we have to go through the process in submitting, and I think the Film Academy will have to choose, right?” Soriano noted.

“Yes, it’s a three-country co-production, so we have every right to submit it for the Philippines… Especially with Cannes and the premiere and the marketing and the optics it’s getting — it’s something we can definitely consider.”

Direk Paul with Hollywood director Wes Anderson.

But he clarified that the current focus is exposure and reach for “Magellan.”

“With ‘Magellan,’ our focus right now is just getting it seen more. Cannes was only the beginning of the journey. A lot of it is still unknown. Just like Magellan’s journey — a lot of it is still unknown.”

Soriano, however, confirmed that plans for domestic and global theatrical release are already in the works. “Definitely, there will be a theatrical (release). A French distributor already purchased it. So Spain and Portugal — I know they have their plans… But for the Philippines, Black Cap and Ten17P are in charge of the distribution here in the Philippines.”

Black Cap and Ten17P are film production and distribution companies founded by Soriano.

As they work to align with international distributors, Soriano said, “We want to have one master plan for ‘Magellan’ and its rollout.”