Filmmaker's Near-Death Experience Fuels New Epic

Filmmaker Lav Diaz has shared his harrowing experience of contracting tuberculosis during the production of his latest film, "Magellan." The director recounted how a persistent cough escalated, leading to a severe illness requiring hospitalization and a six-month recovery period in early 2025. He described this ordeal as a "rebirth," mirroring the film's release. Starring Gael García Bernal as the Portuguese explorer, the movie delves into Magellan's controversial history and his impact on indigenous peoples. Shot primarily in the Philippines, with scenes also filmed in Portugal and Spain, "Magellan" offers a critical perspective on historical figures. Diaz noted that Bernal's involvement has made the film more accessible to a wider audience, a departure from his typically long-form, specialized cinema. Bernal himself described the filming process as an "adventure" with Diaz, emphasizing the creative challenges posed by unexpected circumstances, such as constant rain in the Philippines.