MANILA, Philippines — Among the themes tackled in “Los Salvajes Bravos,” an official entry to the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), are human rights and the Filipino sense of community, which, according to its director, Paolo Dy, remain relevant today.
This historical drama, according to its synopsis, tells the story of Filipinos who journeyed to Spain for the 1887 Philippine Exposition, only to be stripped of their dignity and humanity as they were treated as “human displays.”
“Los Salvajes Bravos” stars Romnick Sarmenta as Ismael Alzate, an Igorot war veteran who leads a group of indigenous Filipinos to Madrid alongside Purganan, a teacher played by Ruru Madrid.
Driven by dreams of a better future for their families, they traveled to Spain, only to find themselves displayed as “primitive people” at El Retiro Park alongside animals, plants and other Philippine products. It was a dehumanizing spectacle so appalling that it drew the outrage of national hero José Rizal in 1887, who condemned the degrading treatment of his fellow Filipinos.
“We want the film to be relatable to the social issues we have today,” direk Paolo told The STAR during the grand mediacon. “The film has a lot of themes, but certainly, the thought of human rights is something that, until now, remains an issue. Yung thought na kailangan tingin natin sa isa’t isa pantay. Kapwa bilang kapwa. That’s the major theme in the film.
“Dun din nanggagaling globally na na-feel na naman natin that there are still groups who want to push that idea — may mga taong lesser than us, less human, kailangan paalisin. Until now, that issue still exists,” he said, adding that “we have to fight that.”
Direk Paolo also pointed out that the Filipino culture of helping one another, or the bayanihan spirit, remains alive during difficult times, as it is deeply embedded in Filipino values and traditions.
“When you are placed in a situation na marami kayo, isa kayong grupo na nailagay sa isang situation where you feel the pressure, nahihirapan kayo, as Filipinos, what do we do? We turn to each other and we help each other,” he reflected.
“And in many ways, groups of Filipinos who find themselves anywhere in the world, you will find each other and you will become family and you will help each other. So that’s what we do. That’s one of the things that you will see in this movie.”
Direk Paolo, who also helmed the award-winning historical film “Ignacio de Loyola,” shared: “Through this film, we seek to bring a forgotten chapter of our history back to life for the new generation. This is a story not only about our past, but also about what it means to be Filipino and how our history continues to shape our identity today.”
Filmed mostly in Spain, the movie features Spanish actors Andreas Muñoz, Javier Godino and Marta Codina. They are joined by Filipino actors Michael de Mesa, Christian Vasquez, Jojit Lorenzo, Arnold Reyes, Elora Españo and Paolo O’Hara. Also part of the cast are Aya Sarmiento, Miguel Vasquez, Michael Roy Jornales, JM Salvado, Roven Alejandro, Shagem Sumayag and Aaron Kaiser Garcia.
Going beyond the theme of “historical injustice,” “Los Salvajes Bravos” also explores the sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to the media release, “Los Salvajes Bravos” tells a story of dreams, sacrifice, hope and resilience that echoes the experiences of generations of OFWs who leave home in pursuit of a better life for their loved ones. More than a retelling of the past, the film also invites audiences to draw lessons from history and reexamine who they are as human beings, especially in difficult times when their choices, values and treatment of others are put to the test.
Executive producer Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ, also expressed pride in bringing the story to the big screen.
“Because it is an important part of our history that deserves to be remembered. Beyond revisiting the past, we hope it encourages Filipinos today to reflect on our own humanity and how we treat one another despite our differences,” he stated.
The grand mediacon, held on Oct. 29, coincided with the eve of the 139th anniversary of the closing of the Philippine Exposition in Madrid, Spain, which ran from June 30 to Oct. 30, 1887.
The producers noted that the occasion carried added significance as October also marks National Indigenous Peoples Month. This made the event a fitting opportunity to highlight the experiences of indigenous Filipinos who traveled to Spain for the exposition and to remember their stories as part of the country’s history.
“Los Salvajes Bravos” is produced by Jesuit Communications, the same team behind the 2023 MMFF entry “GomBurZa.”
“Los Salvajes Bravos” opens exclusively in cinemas nationwide on Dec. 25.