Gael Garcia Bernal retells Philippines history in new film 'Magellan'; movie premieres at Cannes film Festival

(From Lleft) Portuguese actress Angela Azevedo, Filipino director,screenwriter and cinematographer Lav Diaz, Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal and Filipino actor Amado Arjay Babon pose during a photocall for the film "Magalhaes" (Magellan) at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on Monday, May 19, 2025. -- Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP

CANNES, France (AFP): Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal stars in a new film which re-examines the discovery of the Philippines by European explorers and questions the existence of a national resistance hero.

"Magellan", which premiered at the Cannes film festival on Sunday, is the latest feature from Filipino director Lav Diaz, who acknowledges he is tackling sensitive issues.