Exploring ‘Magellan’s’ shot at Oscars history

Could this be the year the Philippines finally makes history at the Academy Awards? Lav Diaz's epic film, 'Magellan,' has officially been selected as the country's entry for the 98th Oscars in the highly coveted Best International Feature Film category. This move marks a significant moment, as no Filipino film has ever secured a nomination or even a spot on the shortlist since the category's inception in 1956.

The film itself delves into the final, pivotal months of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan's journey in the 16th century, under the Spanish crown, during his fateful arrival in the Philippines. Its selection wasn't arbitrary; 'Magellan' boasts powerful credentials. At the helm is acclaimed director Lav Diaz, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, whose previous works have garnered top honors at prestigious international festivals like Locarno, Berlin, and Venice. Adding to its global appeal is the presence of Mexican star Gael Garcia Bernal in the titular role, an actor known for his involvement in multiple Oscar-winning productions.

However, securing an Oscar nomination is far from just about artistic merit. The path to Academy recognition is notoriously competitive and financially demanding. Veteran director Jose Javier Reyes, who leads the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), emphasized that an 'aesthetically good movie' isn't enough; an extensive, well-funded campaign is vital to stand out amidst fierce international competition.

To put the financial stakes into perspective, American independent studio Neon reportedly spent an astounding $18 million on the marketing and awards campaign for their film 'Anora' – three times its production budget – which ultimately swept multiple Oscars this year. While the FDCP is contributing P1 million to 'Magellan's' campaign, Reyes candidly admitted this amount is a mere 'drop in the bucket' compared to the resources wielded by other strong contenders like Norway's 'Sentimental Value' and South Korea's 'No Other Choice,' which are already emerging as early favorites.

Despite the financial hurdles, the team behind 'Magellan' is making strategic moves to maximize its chances. The film has secured North American distribution with Janus Films, a company with a proven track record of steering international features like Japan's 'Drive My Car' and Latvia's 'Flow' to Oscar success. Furthermore, Cinetic Marketing, the agency behind the campaigns for 'Drive My Car' and the acclaimed 'Parasite,' is handling 'Magellan’s' promotional efforts. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, is also set for prominent screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival this September, generating crucial buzz.

Lav Diaz himself acknowledges the nature of the race, describing the Oscars as akin to 'going through the eye of the needle' and 'more of an election process.' He expressed confidence in their distributors, noting, "In the promotional aspect, that’s already a big thing." FAP director-general Paolo Villaluna echoed the sentiment regarding campaign importance, stating that national government support is key for international films to make the shortlist, a commitment they plan to uphold this year.

As the Philippines embarks on this ambitious quest for an Oscar breakthrough, Jose Javier Reyes emphasized a greater mission for local cinema: the continuous production of 'deeper and more meaningful films.' He articulated the challenge: "The only problem is how we’re going to convince producers to create deeper and more meaningful films." Regardless of 'Magellan's' final outcome, its journey highlights the evolving landscape of Filipino filmmaking and its determined push for global recognition.