There is a movie called 1521, which is about Filipino history and heroism that is being produced and planned for international release.
US-based Filipino producer Francis B. Lara Ho and Filipino-American
actor-director Michael Copon are collaborating for the film "1521" which
will depict a clandestine love story against the backdrop of the epic clash
between pre-colonial Filipinos and Spanish forces of Ferdinand Magellan in
Mactan, Philippines more than 500 years ago.
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| Left to right: Francis B. Lara Ho (producer); Danny Trejo; Bea Alonzo; Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan; Michael Copon; Costas Mandylor; Hector David Jr.; and Terry Amos |
Film On Filipino History & Heroism Being Planned For International Release
A strong cast
The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Copon, renowned American actor
Danny Trejo, Filipino superstar Bea Alonzo, and award-winning actress Maricel
Laxa-Pangilinan.
"1521" opens with the character Didi or Diwata, who dreams of being
transported to pre-colonial Philippines while exploring the ruins of an
ancient Spanish fort. In her dream, she becomes a native princess who falls in
love with Magellan's handsome translator Enrique — their romance caught up in
the conflict.
The events become more complicated after Didi awakens, and soon finds the line
between her dream and reality blurring.
The film will also be told largely from the perspective of Lapu-Lapu, regarded
as the first Filipino hero for leading the forces that defeated the Spaniards.
Highlighting Filipino history and culture
Copon, who will both direct the film and portray Lapu-Lapu, said he took on
the project to highlight Filipino history and culture.
"People don't know what happened to Magellan. Some people in America think he
just died. And a lot of times, the history of the Philippines gets pushed
under the rug, unnoticed, which led to the passion that we wanted to embrace
those stories and embrace the culture, and say 'Hey! Let me get this out
there,'" said Copon, known for starring in "Power Rangers Time Force" and the
teen drama "One Tree Hill."
"Even more historic is, this is the first time a Hollywood director and
producer are producing a movie about a Filipino story with Hollywood stars and
Filipino stars in one movie," he added.
Trejo, who starred in the "Machete" and "From Dusk till Dawn" film series,
will play Magellan.
Alonzo will take on the role of Diwata while Puerto Rican actor Hector David
Jr., who also appeared in "Power Rangers," portrays her love interest Enrique.
A romantic twist
Copon said "1521" would not focus entirely on the Battle of Mactan, citing the
romance between Diwata and Enrique, which he described as the "heart and soul"
of the story.
"We didn't want to make a movie that is just about the battle and the war," he
said.
Lara Ho said the film would be shot entirely in Palawan, which was picked for
its scenic beaches and mountains.
The producer, himself a Palaweño, hoped to provide more opportunities to the
people in the province through the project.
"I am actually pleasantly surprised when we did the casting that there are
quite a few Palaweños who are really incredible in talent. They just need the
opportunities and so that’s what we are bringing here," Lara Ho said.
"Sad to say that Palawan is one of the richest in terms of natural resources
but our poverty level is very high compared to other provinces. That's why I'm
hoping that bringing projects here would change that," he added.
"1521" is scheduled for release on June 12, 2023, coinciding with the 125th
celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
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