Bea Alonzo’s film ‘1521’ to be shown in PH theaters

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

“1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom,” the historical film starring Bea Alonzo and Hollywood actor Danny Trejo, will be distributed by production and distribution company Viva Films in the Philippines.

“In collaboration with Inspire Studios, Viva Films is set to bring this cinematic masterpiece to audiences across the Philippines,” the production company said in a press release.

“Viva Films is eager to bring this remarkable Filipino-American production to its home audience in the Philippines, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in a journey through history and love,” it added.

(Contributed photo) “1521” producer Francis Lara Ho with Mr. Del Rosario of Viva Films.

The historical film, which was shown in over 600 theaters in the United States in October last year, features Alonzo as native princess Diwata; Trejo as Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan; and Hector David Jr., another Hollywood actor, as Spanish translator Enrique.

The film tells the love story of Diwata and Enrique while highlighting the heroism of Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan in April 1521. 

“1521” earned the support and praises of the Filipino community in the US for its cultural significance and contribution to the commitment to cultural awareness, unity and intercultural dialogue.

It has also bagged four international awards so far, namely the Best Feature Film award at the Athens IMA Film Festival; Best Feature Film and Best Cinematography Feature Film at the Swedish Film Awards; and Best Feature Film at the London Independent Film Awards. 

“These achievements stand as a testament to the exceptional cast and crew, the history-making production partners, and the inspiring Filipino bayanihan spirit behind the film,” said Francis Lara Ho, CEO of Inspire Studios and the producer of the film.

“Looking ahead, a prominent movie distribution company has committed to simultaneously release ‘1521’ in the US and Canada in June 2024,” Viva Films added.

Alonzo, whose camp clashed with the film’s production team over claims that the actress had “unreasonable demands” during shooting, has yet to comment on the Philippine distribution of her movie.