ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
Lav Diaz's 'Magellan' Heads To Cannes After Near-Death Experience: 'I Almost Died'
Lav Diaz photo
Lav Diaz is back on the global stage.
The internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker just announced that his latest historical epic Magellan (Magalhães), starring Gael Garcia Bernal as the Portuguese explorer, will make its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section of the 78th Festival de Cannes this May.
But behind this major milestone is a harrowing story of survival.
“I almost died,” Diaz revealed in an interview with journalist Ruben Nepales. “Two days after finishing the first edit, I vomited blood. I was really close to drowning.”
What started as pneumonia during post-production eventually developed into tuberculosis. It was a frightening brush with death for the director—but one that he says he was somehow prepared for.
“Witnessing two harrowing TB deaths in my family during my youth helped me survive,” Diaz shared.
Magellan follows the journey of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer whose expedition led to the first circumnavigation of the globe—a story told through Diaz’s signature contemplative and bold storytelling. With Gael Garcia Bernal leading the cast, the film is already drawing buzz not just for its subject, but for the powerful story behind its creation.
It’s a triumphant comeback for Diaz, both professionally and personally. From the editing room to the hospital bed, to the red carpet at Cannes—his journey has been nothing short of cinematic.
The internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker just announced that his latest historical epic Magellan (Magalhães), starring Gael Garcia Bernal as the Portuguese explorer, will make its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section of the 78th Festival de Cannes this May.
But behind this major milestone is a harrowing story of survival.
“I almost died,” Diaz revealed in an interview with journalist Ruben Nepales. “Two days after finishing the first edit, I vomited blood. I was really close to drowning.”
What started as pneumonia during post-production eventually developed into tuberculosis. It was a frightening brush with death for the director—but one that he says he was somehow prepared for.
“Witnessing two harrowing TB deaths in my family during my youth helped me survive,” Diaz shared.
Magellan follows the journey of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer whose expedition led to the first circumnavigation of the globe—a story told through Diaz’s signature contemplative and bold storytelling. With Gael Garcia Bernal leading the cast, the film is already drawing buzz not just for its subject, but for the powerful story behind its creation.
It’s a triumphant comeback for Diaz, both professionally and personally. From the editing room to the hospital bed, to the red carpet at Cannes—his journey has been nothing short of cinematic.
Apr 24, 2025
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