Magellan is a sweeping historical drama from acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz that reexamines the life of Ferdinand Magellan through a sharply decolonial lens. Starring Gael García Bernal, the film traces the Portuguese explorer’s journey from restless idealist to authoritarian figure, offering a complex portrait that challenges the heroic myths often attached to his name.

Set across Portugal, Spain, and Southeast Asia, the story follows Magellan as he joins a Spanish expedition under King Carlos I and gradually reveals his capacity for cruelty and control. As the voyage unfolds, his leadership turns violent and destructive, particularly in the Philippines, where the film centers on the lasting impact of colonial ambition. Quiet, intimate moments with his wife Beatriz, played by Ângela Azevedo, reveal a more conflicted and human side that deepens the narrative.

Running 160 minutes and told in multiple languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and Tagalog, Magellan is Lav Diaz’s first color feature in more than a decade. The film pairs its epic scale with a patient, observational style that gives equal weight to landscapes, weather, and human presence. Rather than glorifying conquest, this international co-production invites viewers to reflect on power, legacy, and resistance, making it essential viewing for audiences interested in historical cinema, anti-colonial storytelling, and bold world cinema.

ScREENING DATES:

January 5, 2026: Special Advance Screening with Director Q&A at Roxie Theater in San Francisco

January 9, 2026: Opens in New York and Los Angeles

January 16, 2026: Opens in San Francisco