PH distributor to reevaluate Elcano and Magellan film
MANILA, Philippines — CrystalSky Multimedia, the Philippine distributor of the Spanish-made animated film about Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan that apparently depicted Lapu-Lapu in a villainous light, said it would reevaluate the movie.
In a statement dated Nov. 8, CrystalSky Multimedia said it was in the process of inviting historians, members of the academe, and film experts to preview “Elcano and Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World.”
This came after the movie drew flak from Filipinos for its alleged villainous portrayal of Lapu-Lapu, who many consider as the first Filipino hero for defeating Magellan and his group in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
“After careful thought and consideration, we have decided to reevaluate the movie,” CrystalSky Multimedia said.
“We will base our next steps and actions on their comments and recommendations,” it added.
Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Lawrence Fortun earlier urged the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to review the film.
The Palace, meanwhile, said it would be up to the MTRCB to decide whether to ban the movie.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) also advised movie viewers to be critical and educate themselves on history.