The animated film Elcano and Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World recently began drawing negative attention on social media for its possibly skewed representation of history. CrystalSky Multimedia, the Philippine distributor of the movie, has moved to assure the public they are in the process of re-evaluating it in light of this.
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Netizens were largely concerned that the movie would depict Visayan ruler Lapu-Lapu as an antagonist. They were quick to point out the “villainous” look that the historical figure donned on the movie poster. Equally concerning was the positive light they seemed to portray explorers/colonizers Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano in.
Despite the filmmakers and film distributors insistence that Lapu-Lapu will be properly shown as a hero, the public has continued to censure the film. As such, CrystalSky Multimedia released a statement on their Facebook page, assuring that they have “heard the public’s sentiments on the film.” They announced that “after careful thought and consideration, we have decided to re-evaluate this movie.”
Their re-evaluation would include a special screening with historians, members of the academe, and film experts in order to ascertain whether the movie is appropriate or not. They promise to “base their next steps and actions on their comments and recommendations.”
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