Lav Diaz's 'Magellan' to screen in over 40 cinemas nationwide

Filmmaker Lav Diaz's historical film "Magellan," the Philippines' official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, is set to be released in over 40 cinemas nationwide on September 10.

Diaz explained that the character of Lapu-Lapu was excluded from the film based on his extensive research, which suggests that Rajah Humabon might warrant greater historical consideration.

Diaz clarified that Lapu-Lapu is not entirely absent but that his research indicates Humabon should be reconsidered in history.

The auteur filmmaker cited his seven years of research, including trips to Portugal, Spain, and New York, as the basis for his findings.

Diaz stated that he could not find any historical evidence of Lapu-Lapu and suggested that the hero might have been an invention of Humabon.

The film's producer, Paul Soriano, urged Filipinos to support "Magellan" by watching it in theaters to foster discussions and debates about historical interpretations.