Bea Alonzo’s film ‘1521’ wins big at Sweden Film Awards 2023

(From left) Hector David Jr., Bea Alonzo. Screengrab from YouTube/1521 Movie Official

Updated 2:25 p.m.

“1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom,” which stars Bea Alonzo, Hector David Jr., and Danny Trejo, was named one of the winners of the Sweden Film Awards 2023 for the month of September.

The movie also bagged the Best Cinematography Feature Film award at the Sweden-based awards giving body, as seen on its official website.

Screengrab from Sweden Film Awards 2023’s official website

The film’s producers took to their official Facebook page on Monday, Oct. 9 to announce “1521’s” recent milestone.

“Mga kababayan, we did it! [‘1521’] just won [at] the Sweden Film Awards 2023!” the post by film producer Francis Lara Ho read. “Today, with great honor and excitement we want to announce that “1521: The Quest for Love & Freedom’ won in the Sweden Film Awards 2023!!!

The pre-colonial Philippines-centered film, however, is marred by controversy after Alonzo’s camp said she is not inclined to promote the film due to alleged shabby treatment extended to her team, as well as alleged non-compensation to other talents on the film.

The producer, however, denied the allegations, and turned the tables on the actress, who was said to have had “unreasonable demands” while filming. The actress’ camp subsequently denied these claims days after.

‘Historic win’

Despite this hitch, the production team said the “historic win” is a “gift” to the Philippines and the Fil-Am community as the award was bestowed on Filipino American History Month.

“This is the 1st WIN for ‘1521’ and this is a WIN for Filipino Americans & ALL Filipinos worldwide!!! My family offers this historic WIN as a gift to our Inang Bayan at buong sambayanang Pilipino on our 125th Independence Day as well as to all our Kababayans sa Amerika on our FILAM History Month!!!” the post read.

“Congratulations [and] great job to ALL the Cast, Crew, Fans and Producing Partners of ‘1521!!!’ This is a WIN for us all!!! Mabuhay ang (Cheers to the) lahing kayumanggi! God bless us all,” they further said.

Ho, in a statement, said “1521’s” recognition in the Stockholm-based awards body is a “testament to its exceptional talent and dedication.” “This resounding win not only reaffirms the remarkable contributions of the cast and crew but also stands as a global celebration of Filipino-American and Filipino culture,” the Iloilo-born Filipino-American producer said.

Apart from “1521,” other films awarded at the Sweden Film Awards 2023 for the month of September were “Da’un Ka Kayu,” “Kami River,” “Between the Notes,” “The Noble Man,” “Socks,” “The Blind,” “The Roots of Evil,” “The Acquaintances,” “Laplace,” “Loki and Me,” and “My Method.”

The movies “Egaliter,” “Getting Along,” “Witch Hands,” “Purple and Blue,” “Il Sogno Diventa,” “Reflexes,” and “Bestia” were also named as  winners.

The Sweden Film Awards recognizes “films from all over the globe” while “offering awards in various categories” which takes place every month, per its official website. EDV