1521 (film)
| 1521 | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Michael Barder |
| Written by | Mary Krell-Oishi |
| Story by | Francis B. Lara Ho |
| Produced by | Francis B. Lara Ho |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Michael Barder Patrick Ferrer |
| Edited by |
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Production company | Inspire Studios |
| Distributed by | Viva Films |
Release date |
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| Countries | Philippines United States |
| Languages | Filipino English Spanish |
1521 (also knows in United States as 1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom) is a 2023 Filipino-American action historical drama romance film written by Mary Krell-Oishi and directed by Michael Barder. It stars Danny Trejo, Bea Alonzo, Costas Mandylor, Michael Copon, Hector David Jr., Maricel Laxa, Vic Romano, Floyd Tena, Larissa Buendia. The film is about the battle of Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan, Cebu and about the love story of a native princess and a Spanish soldier.
Synopsis[edit]
In the pre-Spanish era Philippines, a young beautiful native princess falls in love with a handsome Spanish soldier. Against all odds, and pulled apart by their loyalties to their own people, they fight for their clandestine romance.
Cast[edit]
- Danny Trejo as Ferdinand Magellan[1]
- Bea Alonzo as Diwata[2]
- Costas Mandylor as Lorenzo
- Michael Copon as Lapu-Lapu[3]
- Hector David Jr. as Enrique[4]
- Maricel Laxa as Ahmani[5]
- Vic Romano as Udong
- Floyd Tena as Humabon
- Larissa Buendia as Humamai
- Sol Eugenio as Datu
- Eren Kereci as Spanish Soldier[6]
Production[edit]
On August 4, 2022, Bea Alonzo was confirmed to be part of the film. The film has a working title 1521: The Battle of Mactan and their Shooting will be done in Puerto Princesa City and Taytay, Palawan.[7]
Controversies[edit]
Bea Alonzo's unreasonable demands[edit]
Francis Ho's representative said that the producers paid for the actors including Alonzo and her team's a high-end hotel in Palawan during their filming but the actress brought additional staff with her which is not part in the signed contract and the producers didn't pay for extra rooms for the additional staff of Alonzo.[8][9]
There are additional claims that Alonzo didn't show during fitting schedule for her costume, then later she wanted to redesign the costume according to her style.[10]
Bea Alonzo allegedly refuse to promote the film[edit]
Entertainment reporter Ogie Diaz revealed on the latest episode of Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update that one of Bea Alonzo's team told him that the actress will never forget her experience with the movie, as she encountered unusual occurrences that didn't happen with other production outfits.
And Ogie Diaz said (translated in English):
The hotel room of Bea Alonzo was paid by the producer but the room of Bea's Team was not, Bea Alonzo herself pays for the accomodation of her team. — They only added the aircon in Bea's tent when they are nearly finished the film. And they are in the forest.
He also added that the production uses a real Bolo knife in the set ended up the director and other talents got injured.[11]
Francis Ho apologizes to Bea Alonzo[edit]
During a recent media interview, Ho apologized to Alonzo for any mistakes he made as a first-time producer. He said:
I apologize for my limited knowledge and experience as a first-time producer. I made some calls na hindi nakatulong sa kanya, and I take full responsibility for that. I hope she accepts my apology because I didn’t intend to do that.[12]
Historical inaccuracies[edit]
On June 4, 2023, 1521 first trailer was released and it was received criticism for its historical inaccuracies from costumes, armor and language. Some of the commenters said that Bea Alonzo was miscast as the native princess, stating that she looked more like one of the colonizers than a local.[13]
Bea Alonzo snubbed the premier night of 1521[edit]
On May 29, 2024, Bea Alonzo was a no-show at the premier night of her own movie. Ho said that he is taking responsibility for their past mishaps that inconvenienced the actress led her not to attend the premiere night of their movie.
He also added:
“Of course, I understand. And then again, I don’t blame her because as a first-time producer, I made some calls that were not able to somehow help her in a way that would’ve been helpful,”[14]
Release[edit]
The film has a limited release in United States on October 2, 2023. Made in time for the 125th Philippine Independence Day in 2023, the movie will be screened in Philippine cinemas on June 5, 2024.[15]
Accolades[edit]
| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | London Independent Film Awards | Best Feature Film | 1521 | Won | [16] |
| Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival | Best Feature Film | 1521 | Won | [17] | |
| Sweden Film Awards | Best Feature Film | 1521 | Won | [18] | |
| Best Cinematography Feature | 1521 | Won |
References[edit]
- ^ Chow, Vivienne (August 5, 2022). "Danny Trejo to Star as Ferdinand Magellan in '1521' Philippines-Set Historical Actioner (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (June 2, 2024). "Bea Alonzo snubs '1521' premiere night; producer says 'understandable'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Almadin-Thornhill, Lenn (September 28, 2023). "Filipino-Americans in Georgia help get word out on '1521'". News.ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Staff, PN (August 6, 2022). "Tag: American actor Hector David Jr". Palawan News. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Chua, EJ (August 9, 2022). "Maricel Laxa feels honored to work with Hollywood actor Danny Trejo in the film '1521: The Battle of Mactan'". GMA Network. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Tugonon, Christian (May 29, 2024). "Love meets history in Ho's '1521'". SunStar. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Chua, EJ (August 4, 2022). "Bea Alonzo joins the star-studded cast of the upcoming movie '1521: The Battle of Mactan'". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "Talent manager defends Bea Alonzo over '1521' controversy: 'Modus operandi'". Interaksyon. October 11, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Esguerra Olarte, Steph (October 8, 2023). "Talent Manager Shirley Kuan Is *Furious* At A Producer Claiming Bea Alonzo Had 'Unreasonable Demands' While Filming '1521'". Cosmo.ph. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Pasajol, Anne (September 30, 2023). "Bea Alonzo had 'unreasonable demands, expectations' during '1521' filming, producer says". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Formoso, Celeste Anna (September 28, 2023). "Actress Bea Alonzo allegedly refuses to promote '1521' amid on-set issues; producer responds". Palawan News. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Villanueva, Angelica (May 27, 2024). "'1521' producer apologizes to Bea Alonzo for on-set issues". Manila Standard. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Brosas, Alex (June 5, 2023). "Trailer of Bea Alonzo movie '1521' stirs backlash for 'historical inaccuracies'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (June 2, 2024). "Bea Alonzo snubs '1521' premiere night; producer says 'understandable'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Yap, Tara (June 2, 2024). "Ilonggo producer of '1521' dedicates movie to Philippines". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ "1521 Movie Historical U.S. Release: Winner as Feature Film in Sweden and at the London Independent Film Awards". WGNO. October 25, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Baguio, Star FM (December 2, 2023). "Pelikulang "1521" na pinagbibidahan ni Bea Alonzo, wagi sa Athens bilang Best Feature Film" [The movie “1521” led by Bea Alonzo, Wins in Athens for Best Feature Film]. Bombo Radyo (in Filipino). Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Bote, Jia (October 10, 2023). "Bea Alonzo's '1521' wins at Sweden Film Awards 2023 amid controversy". Daily Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
