Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan’ wins Best Picture in Valladolid International Film Festival

Filipino cinema has just marked a significant milestone on the global stage! Acclaimed director Lav Diaz's ambitious historical drama, 'Magellan,' proudly took home the Golden Spike, the top Best Picture honor, at the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival (SEMINCI) in Spain. This prestigious recognition underscores the rising influence of Philippine storytelling in the international film circuit.

The epic narrative, set in the tumultuous 16th century, shared this coveted award with Kelly Reichardt's 'The Mastermind.' This dual win for 'Magellan' is particularly notable, considering it emerged victorious from a strong competition slate that included works by esteemed filmmakers like Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Sergei Loznitsa, Bi Gan, and Gabriel Mascaro.

Upon receiving the accolade, Diaz shared a heartfelt dedication, stating, "Para sa bayan at para sa pelikulang Pilipino" – a sentiment that beautifully translates to "For the Philippines and for Filipino film." This triumph comes at an opportune time, as 'Magellan' is also set to represent the Philippines in the Best International Feature category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

The film, which features Gael Garcia Bernal in the titular role of Ferdinand Magellan, has been making waves internationally since its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, presented within the Cannes Premiere section. Critics have universally praised Diaz's latest opus, currently holding a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Hollywood Reporter notably described it as an "exquisitely crafted feature," suggesting it might be one of the director's most approachable works to date.

Audiences can expect a compelling cinematic experience brought to life by a talented cast, including Angela Azevedo, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro, Hazel Orencio, Rafael Morais, Bong Cabrera, Dario Yazbek Bernal, and Tomas Alves. The grand scale of the production is further enhanced by its stunning filming locations across the Philippines, Spain, and Portugal.