Lav Diaz’s film, “Magellan,” is set to represent the Philippines at the Oscars, having been selected as the country’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on Monday, September 1, at the Edsa Shangri-La Mall.
Diaz, in a brief speech, acknowledged the challenges of creating the historical film “Magellan,” noting that its message about understanding one’s past served as a poignant reminder for him.
“The film’s production started as early as 1521. It’s hard to explain how we completed it. ‘Magellan’ was a difficult project. I almost died. However, the reminder to finish it was strong, and the vision was clear. For me, ‘Magellan’ is a reminder to revisit the past so our country can progress,” said Diaz.
FDCP chair Jose Javier Reyes noted the abundance of films considered for the Philippines’ entry, describing it as a “good problem.” Ultimately, the “meaningful voice of ‘Magellan'” set it apart from the rest.
Reyes emphasized, “You cannot find a direction for the future unless you understand your past. What better tribute than a film about the alleged discoverer of the Philippines?”
In support of Diaz’s Oscars bid, the FDCP announced a P1 million grant through the government-led Oscars Assistance Program.
Other contenders for the official entry included Antoinette Jadaone’s “Sunshine,” Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones,” Cathy Garcia Sampana’s “Hello, Love, Again,” Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Food Delivery,” Petersen Vargas’ “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking,” and King Palisoc’s “Song of the Fireflies.”
In a separate interview, FDCP chair Reyes acknowledged the rigorous selection process, which requires Academy vetting from the screening committee members to the final entries. He clarified that the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) led the selection, with his role as FDCP chair being supportive.
Reyes highlighted the importance of mounting a campaign once a film is chosen, as competition is fierce. He also revealed that some films expected to be assessed were not submitted by producers, while others were prioritized based on the producers’ campaign focus.