‘1521’ is coming to US theaters this October

Hector David Jr. and Bea Alonzo in “1521” | Photo from 1521 The Movie/YouTube

“1521,” a global feature film that showcases Filipino-American talent, is finally premiering across the United States on Oct. 2.

Shot completely in the Philippines with a predominantly Filipino production team, “1521” brings the history and heritage of the Philippines to life on the big screen. 

The Philippines’ Bea Alonzo stars as princess-seer Diwata alongside Hollywood legend Danny Trejo (Ferdinand Magellan), Filipino-American actor Michael Copon (who you may remember from “One Tree Hill” and “Power Rangers Time Force”), and Hector David Jr. (who also actually starred in a couple “Power Rangers” TV series).

The film will premiere in nearly 700 theaters across the United States, making it the most distributed Fil-Am-produced film in the US. That said, it’s not without its fair share of criticisms when its trailer dropped in June, prompting netizens to point out “historical inaccuracies” and concerns over “casting decisions.”

The Filipino-American community is calling on everyone to help make this movie a success and in the words of its producer Francis B. Lara Ho to “put our bayanihan spirit together and flex it.” They’ve launched the #OneMillionRepresentation campaign, aiming to fill theaters across the US on Oct. 2 with audiences eager to witness this film.