Official submission of Philippines for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 98th Academy Awards in 2026.
Contrary to the film adaptation, Lapulapu was taught in history lessons as an actual Datu (Rajah) of Mactan, whose name was first recorded as Çilapulapu, hailed as the first Filipino hero. Lapulapu is known for the 1521 Battle of Mactan, where he and his men defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan and his native allies Rajah Humabon, portrayed by Lazaro in the film, and Datu Zula.
First color film by Lav Diaz in 12 years.
The film was first announced in 2019 as "Beatrice, The Wife" with Magellan's wife, Beatriz Barbosa de Magallanes, as the focus.
