Lav Diaz's new film "Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors" screens at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival

A still from Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors — Courtesy of the Tokyo International Film Festival

"Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors" (Makikiraan Po), the latest film by Magellan director Lav Diaz, will screen in the World Focus section of the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (October 26 – November 4).

Set in the Spanish-ruled Philippines of 1617, the film follows Magellan in confronting the violence of colonial rule carried out in the name of church-building and evangelization. It had its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Brian Award, an independent prize for films that champion human rights and freedom of conscience. Shot in Diaz's signature black-and-white, it has been described by critics as a companion piece to Magellan. At 151 minutes, it is unusually short for a Diaz film. The cast includes filmmaker Isabel Sandoval, along with Ronnie Lazaro, Bong Cabrera and Amado Arjay Babon from Magellan.

Screenings: October 30 (Fri) 16:40 at TOHO Cinemas Chanter
November 3 (Tue) 12:55 at Cine Switch Ginza

Tickets are available from the film's page on the festival's official website.

Magellan screened in the World Focus section of last year's 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, and opens in Japan in late February 2027 at Theatre Image Forum and other cinemas nationwide.